The Department of Livestock Development has confirmed that animals can contract COVID-19, as evidenced by two hippos in Belgium who tested positive for the novel coronavirus. The animals reportedly did not exhibit any symptoms beyond runny noses.
The discovery marks the first recorded cases of hippos catching the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which had previously been detected in great apes and cat species.
There was also nothing to suggest the coronavirus found in cats and dogs can spread to humans, though evidence indicates that COVID-19 can be passed on by humans to other mammals such as cats, dogs, gorillas and minks.
The World Organization for Animal Health is currently monitoring white-tailed deer after many were found to be carrying the coronavirus.
Experts say further research is necessary to determine whether the deer can become a reservoir for the virus, as well as assess the public health implications. (NNT)
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