As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, more questions have come up about pets, owners and disease sharing.  This weekend, a Malayan tiger was confirmed infected with SARS-CoV-2.  

It is not unheard of for zoo animals to contract disease from humans (think elephants and tuberculosis), in fact, it is not even unheard of for big cats to contract diseases from their keepers.  In 2009, a group of cheetah were confirmed to have developed H1N1 after a keeper that was infected prepared their diets.  Since we already know that domestic cats have contracted the novel coronavirus from their infected owner, it stands to reason that a tiger being cared for by an infected human would be able to contract COVID-19 as well.  

After all, tigers are just like domestic cats…except bigger…and with more glamorous coat patterns.  However, the news this weekend that the Bronx Zoo’s big cats were struggling with the pandemic just like the rest of us (the affected 2 Malayan tigers, 2 amur tigers,  and 3 African lions had mild clinical signs and are doing well) does inspire us here at Vet Candy to reflect upon the positive creatures to date:

Timeline of events:

• March 4: 17-yr old Pomeranian (Hong Kong): 

• March 19: German Shepherd (Hong Kong): 

• March 27: Domestic cat (Belgium): 

• April 1: Domestic cat (Hong Kong):

• April 6: Malayan tiger (NY, USA): 

What you don’t see here is any evidence that any of these animals can transmit the virus to humans.  There remains NO EVIDENCE that dogs, cats (or lions and tigers) can transmit the disease to their owners.  It is always prudent to practice standard precautions around pets and other animals if you are ill, especially if you are suffering from a respiratory illness.