The world's first recorded hippopotamus infected with COVID-19

Photo of two hippos posted by Antwerp Zoo.

Two hippos, Imani (14 years old) and Hermien (41 years old), at Antwerp Zoo (Belgium) tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 after showing symptoms of a runny nose. The pair were quarantined as a precaution.

“As far as I know, this is the first time a hippopotamus has contracted COVID-19,” said Francis Vercammen, a veterinarian at Antwerp Zoo. “Previously, the SARS-CoV-2 virus had mainly affected great apes and felines such as tigers and lions…”

The origin of the COVID-19 pandemic is believed to be a virus transmitted from wild animals to humans. The SARS-CoV-2 virus has also been shown to be capable of being transmitted from humans to animals.

Several cases of cats, dogs and ferrets contracting COVID-19 have been reported after contact with infected owners. Species that have been infected with SARS-CoV-2 at zoos include tigers, leopards, lions, otters, hyenas and primates.

COVID-19 has also spread on farms raising mink and wild animals, such as deer.

In mid-November, a zoo in Lincoln, Nebraska, USA, said three snow leopards had died from complications related to COVID-19.

Antwerp Zoo is currently investigating the source of COVID-19 infection in two hippos. No zoo staff have recently shown symptoms of COVID-19 or tested positive for SARS-CoV-2.

According to Tien Phong