In an aquarium in Atlanta, a large group of small-clawed otters test positive for the virus. At the Georgia Aquarium, it is said that the otters caught the virus from an asymptomatic staff member. The otters began to show mild respiratory symptoms like runny nose, sneezing, coughing and lethargy. The SARS-CoV-2 virus has seemed to affect a lot of mammal species, like dogs, cats, tigers, lions, gorillas and now otters.
“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 said. The aquarium’s small-clawed otters “have displayed only mild symptoms and we expect them all to make a full recovery,” said Dr Tonya Clauss, the aquarium’s vice president of environmental and animal health. “We are providing supportive care as needed so they can eat, rest and recover.”
