Otters at a Georgia Aquarium have tested positive for COVID, an aquarium official shared. The animals are expected to make a full recovery. Numerous Asian small-clawed otters tested positive, PEOPLE reported on April 18.
“They began exhibiting mild respiratory symptoms such as sneezing, runny noses, mild lethargy, and some began coughing,” the aquarium wrote in a Facebook post without sharing how many had tested positive.
“Our Asian small-clawed otters are under very close monitoring by veterinarians and animal care team members.
They have displayed only mild symptoms and we expect them all to make a full recovery,” Dr. Tonya Clauss, vice president of animal and environmental health at Georgia Aquarium, shared in a press release.
“We are providing supportive care as needed so they can eat, rest and recover.”
Despite following “all recommended health and safety protocols, it is suspected the otters may have acquired the infection from an asymptomatic staff member,” the aquarium shared.
Our Asian small-clawed otters have tested positive for SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. They began exhibiting…
Posted by Georgia Aquarium on Sunday, April 18, 2021
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This article was first published by OneGreenPlanet on 21 April 2021. Lead Image Source: Nuttapol Pingpittayakun/ Shutterstock.com.
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