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Tigress dies in Delhi zoo; sample sent for coronavirus testing

Tigress dies in Delhi zoo; sample sent for coronavirus testing

Tigress

A tigress died of kidney failure in Delhi zoo on Friday amid the coronavirus fears.Theauthorities have sent thesamples for the testing.

The 14-year-old big cat named Kalpana died on Wednesday evening and the carcass was cremated on Thursday following directions to minimise human-animal interface, an official from the Environment Ministry said.

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"Only a few officials were present during cremation of the tiger carcass, which was done in accordance with guidelines issued in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak," he said, adding, "Samples have been sent to Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Bareilly, for coronavirus testing."

The latest incident comes a day after five tigers and three lions at New York zoo tested positive forCOVID-19.

The cats caught the infection from a staff member who was showing no symptoms at the time.

Scientists believe the coronavirusdisease originated in bats in Chinabefore it transmitted to humans. The virus can inject itself into cells by binding to a cell surface protein known as ACE2, which is present in many species of animals as well.

According to several reports, cat families can be infected with coronavirus while dog species are said to be safe.