The United States reported evidence of transfer of coronavirus (COVID-19) from humans to wild white-tailed deer, with subsequent spread of the virus among deer. After the US, Canada also found confirmed cases of coronavirus in wildlife, in three white-tailed deer.

Later, scientists swabbed the nostrils of white-tailed deer in Ohio and found evidence that humans had spread the coronavirus to deer at least six times. As per their report, about one-third of the deer samples had active or recent infections.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
The spread of the COVID-19 virus in deer is not unique as reports have emerged that the virus has infected multiple species of animals globally, including farmed mink, companion animals such as cats and dogs and also some zoo animals.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-19-are-these-new-symptoms-of-omicron-variant-experts-weigh-in-441953">COVID-19: Are these new symptoms of Omicron variant? Experts weigh in</a>

There has been no known transmission from deer to humans, but scientists are not ruling out the possibility.&nbsp;

A <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-021-04353-x_reference.pdf">study published last month in Nature</a> sheds light upon the implications of the transfer of virus to other species. It suggested that such trends could prolong the pandemic, hampering the quest to control COVID-19. &nbsp;

As per the findings of the study, white-tailed deer are frequently infected with SARS-CoV-2 viruses. It further highlighted that questions have been raised about the future trajectory of the virus and the control measures that have been adopted around the world to curb the spread.&nbsp;

As per the study, the potential establishment of a new reservoir of virus in white-tailed deer could open new pathways for evolution, transmission to other wildlife species.&nbsp;

There is also a possibility of potential spillback of new variants to humans that our immune system has not seen before.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-defense-secretary-lloyd-austin-tests-positive-for-covid-experiences-mild-symptoms-441857">US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin tests positive for Covid, experiences mild symptoms</a>

It is a known fact that COVID-19 infection rates are high in a community or population. Therefore, it is alarming that over one-third of deer in our study were positive by PCR, as it suggests an active or recent infection during last winter's major wave.&nbsp;

A number of mutations were observed in white-tailed deer that are very low frequency in humans. Such mutations could potentially be amplified in a new reservoir host with high infection rates and different constraints on evolution.

The study also urged for an urgent need to expand monitoring of COVID-19 in potential wildlife hosts to understand the ecology of transmission and track evolutionary trajectories going forward, including in other potential host species.

WATCH |&nbsp;The weird and the wonderful from 2021 | Artists of Covid pandemic era

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The United States reported evidence of transfer of coronavirus (COVID-19) from humans to wild white-tailed deer, with subsequent spread of the virus among deer. After the US, Canada also found confirmed cases of coronavirus in wildlife, in three white-tailed deer.

The United States reported evidence of transfer of coronavirus (COVID-19) from humans to wild white-tailed deer, with subsequent spread of the virus among deer. After the US, Canada also found confirmed cases of coronavirus in wildlife, in three white-tailed deer. Later, scientists swabbed the nostrils of white-tailed deer in Ohio and found evidence that humans had spread the coronavirus to deer at least six times. As per their report, about one-third of the deer samples had active or recent infections. The spread of the COVID-19 virus in deer is not unique as reports have emerged that the virus has infected multiple species of animals globally, including farmed mink, companion animals such as cats and dogs and also some zoo animals. ALSO READ | COVID-19: Are these new symptoms of Omicron variant? Experts weigh in There has been no known transmission from deer to humans, but scientists are not ruling out the possibility. A study published last month in Nature sheds light upon the implications of the transfer of virus to other species. It suggested that such trends could prolong the pandemic, hampering the quest to control COVID-19. As per the findings of the study, white-tailed deer are frequently infected with SARS-CoV-2 viruses. It further highlighted that questions have been raised about the future trajectory of the virus and the control measures that have been adopted around the world to curb the spread. As per the study, the potential establishment of a new reservoir of virus in white-tailed deer could open new pathways for evolution, transmission to other wildlife species. There is also a possibility of potential spillback of new variants to humans that our immune system has not seen before. ALSO READ | US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin tests positive for Covid, experiences mild symptoms It is a known fact that COVID-19 infection rates are high in a community or population. Therefore, it is alarming that over one-third of deer in our study were positive by PCR, as it suggests an active or recent infection during last winter's major wave. A number of mutations were observed in white-tailed deer that are very low frequency in humans. Such mutations could potentially be amplified in a new reservoir host with high infection rates and different constraints on evolution. The study also urged for an urgent need to expand monitoring of COVID-19 in potential wildlife hosts to understand the ecology of transmission and track evolutionary trajectories going forward, including in other potential host species. WATCH | The weird and the wonderful from 2021 | Artists of Covid pandemic era ×

Prolonged pandemic? Research sheds light on implications of transfer of COVID-19 from humans to wildlife

Four endangered Asiatic lions in Singapore have tested positive for COVID-19.

They had started exhibiting symptoms including coughing and sneezing after coming into contact with infected zookeepers.

According to Sonja Luz, from Mandai Wildlife Group, ''All the lions remain bright, alert and active.''

''We expect that the lions will make a full recovery with minor supportive treatment.''

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/in-pics-covid-19-in-animal-world-here-is-a-list-of-the-infected-species-408990">In Pics | COVID-19 in animal world, here is a list of the infected species</a>

All the infected lions have been placed in isolation in their den. Other animals in the zoo were also tested for coronavirus.

The Mandai Wildlife Group said that three keepers from the Night Safari Carnivore section have tested positive for COVID-19.

The park is an open-air zoo home to hundreds of animals, which welcomes visitors at night.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/seoul-to-give-free-covid-19-tests-to-pets-362173">Also read |&nbsp;Seoul to give free COVID-19 tests to pets</a>

Meanwhile, the country also reported 3,397 fresh COVID-19 cases, including 169 from dormitories for migrant workers. With this, the total number of cases in the country has increased to 2,24,200.

The Ministry of Health reported 12 deaths due to coronavirus-related complications that pushed the death toll to 523.

Animals have become infected with the virus on previous occasions. Lions, tigers, and gorillas have tested positive at US zoos, while domestic cats and dogs have also been hit. 
&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Four endangered Asiatic lions in Singapore have tested positive for COVID-19. They had started exhibiting symptoms including coughing and sneezing after coming into contact with infected zookeepers.

Four endangered Asiatic lions in Singapore have tested positive for COVID-19. They had started exhibiting symptoms including coughing and sneezing after coming into contact with infected zookeepers. According to Sonja Luz, from Mandai Wildlife Group, ''All the lions remain bright, alert and active.'' ''We expect that the lions will make a full recovery with minor supportive treatment.'' In Pics | COVID-19 in animal world, here is a list of the infected species All the infected lions have been placed in isolation in their den. Other animals in the zoo were also tested for coronavirus. The Mandai Wildlife Group said that three keepers from the Night Safari Carnivore section have tested positive for COVID-19. The park is an open-air zoo home to hundreds of animals, which welcomes visitors at night. Also read | Seoul to give free COVID-19 tests to pets Meanwhile, the country also reported 3,397 fresh COVID-19 cases, including 169 from dormitories for migrant workers. With this, the total number of cases in the country has increased to 2,24,200. The Ministry of Health reported 12 deaths due to coronavirus-related complications that pushed the death toll to 523. Animals have become infected with the virus on previous occasions. Lions, tigers, and gorillas have tested positive at US zoos, while domestic cats and dogs have also been hit. (With inputs from agencies)

Endangered Asiatic lions test positive for COVID-19 in Singapore

In a bid to protect the animal species, San Diego Bay Area Zoo is vaccinating its population of big cats, bears and ferrets against the deadly coronavirus.<o:p></o:p>

The animals will be inoculated using an experimental vaccine that has been donated and developed by veterinary pharmaceutical company Zoetis in New Jersey.

<o:p>Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/almost-endangered-antelope-species-saiga-makes-a-comeback-395717">Almost endangered antelope species, Saiga, makes a comeback</a></o:p>

Tigers Ginger and Molly were the first two animals to be vaccinated against this deadly virus. The step was taken to make sure that no animal is infected by the virus in the zoo, which has been the case till now. As of now, the zoo had been using barriers for social distancing and the staff members were made to wear protective gears at all times to protect everyone from getting infected.<o:p></o:p>

"We're happy and relieved to now be able to better protect our animals with this vaccine," Alex Herman, vice president of veterinary services at the zoo said.<o:p></o:p>

The veterinary pharmaceutical company Zoetis is donating more than 11,000 doses to nearly 70 zoos, conservatories, sanctuaries, academic institutions and government organisations of nearly 27 states.<o:p></o:p>

In a bid to protect the animal species, San Diego Bay Area Zoo is vaccinating its population of big cats, bears and ferrets against the deadly coronavirus. The animals will be inoculated using an experimental vaccine that has been donated and developed by veterinary pharmaceutical company Zoetis in New Jersey.

In a bid to protect the animal species, San Diego Bay Area Zoo is vaccinating its population of big cats, bears and ferrets against the deadly coronavirus. The animals will be inoculated using an experimental vaccine that has been donated and developed by veterinary pharmaceutical company Zoetis in New Jersey. Also read | Almost endangered antelope species, Saiga, makes a comeback Tigers Ginger and Molly were the first two animals to be vaccinated against this deadly virus. The step was taken to make sure that no animal is infected by the virus in the zoo, which has been the case till now. As of now, the zoo had been using barriers for social distancing and the staff members were made to wear protective gears at all times to protect everyone from getting infected. "We're happy and relieved to now be able to better protect our animals with this vaccine," Alex Herman, vice president of veterinary services at the zoo said. The veterinary pharmaceutical company Zoetis is donating more than 11,000 doses to nearly 70 zoos, conservatories, sanctuaries, academic institutions and government organisations of nearly 27 states.

Oakland zoo begins vaccinating animals against Covid using experimental vaccine

In a first, at least two&nbsp;gorillas at California's San Diego Zoo have tested positive for the deadly coronavirus, officials from the zoo reported on Monday. A third gorilla is also showing symptoms.

The two gorillas who tested positive had been coughing for the past one week, after which the health experts decided to conduct COVID-19 tests on the animals. This is the first time a natural transmission has been spotted in&nbsp;great apes.

It is being believed the two animals might have caught the infection from&nbsp;an asymptomatic zoo worker. However, the claim has not yet been confirmed by the zoo authorities.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/single-dose-covid-19-vaccine-candidate-generates-immunity-in-mice-study-356030" hreflang="en">Single dose COVID-19 vaccine candidate generates immunity in mice: Study</a>

As of now, the gorillas are doing well and have minor symptoms only. "Aside from some congestion and coughing, the gorillas are doing well," the zoo&nbsp;executive director Lisa Peterson said in a released statement. "The troop remains quarantined together and are eating and drinking. We are hopeful for a full recovery."

Governor Gavin Newsom reported that while only two gorillas have tested positive till now, a third gorilla is also showing minor symptoms for coronavirus and will soon be tested for confirmation.

It is also not yet clear if any other troop members have been infected by these gorillas or any zoo worker. The&nbsp;San Diego Zoo Safari Park has, however, been closed for visitors since early December after a surge of cases was observed in Southern California.

Workers are all required to wear personal protective equipment such as masks when near the gorillas, the zoo said.

Gorillas share up to 98 per cent of their DNA with humans, and studies have found that some non-human primates are susceptible to COVID-19 infection.

(With inputs from AFP)

In a first, at least two gorillas at California's San Diego Zoo have tested positive for the deadly coronavirus, officials from the zoo reported on Monday. A third gorilla is also showing symptoms.

In a first, at least two gorillas at California's San Diego Zoo have tested positive for the deadly coronavirus, officials from the zoo reported on Monday. A third gorilla is also showing symptoms. The two gorillas who tested positive had been coughing for the past one week, after which the health experts decided to conduct COVID-19 tests on the animals. This is the first time a natural transmission has been spotted in great apes. It is being believed the two animals might have caught the infection from an asymptomatic zoo worker. However, the claim has not yet been confirmed by the zoo authorities. Also read| Single dose COVID-19 vaccine candidate generates immunity in mice: Study As of now, the gorillas are doing well and have minor symptoms only. "Aside from some congestion and coughing, the gorillas are doing well," the zoo executive director Lisa Peterson said in a released statement. "The troop remains quarantined together and are eating and drinking. We are hopeful for a full recovery." Governor Gavin Newsom reported that while only two gorillas have tested positive till now, a third gorilla is also showing minor symptoms for coronavirus and will soon be tested for confirmation. It is also not yet clear if any other troop members have been infected by these gorillas or any zoo worker. The San Diego Zoo Safari Park has, however, been closed for visitors since early December after a surge of cases was observed in Southern California. Workers are all required to wear personal protective equipment such as masks when near the gorillas, the zoo said. Gorillas share up to 98 per cent of their DNA with humans, and studies have found that some non-human primates are susceptible to COVID-19 infection. (With inputs from AFP)

Two gorillas test positive for coronavirus after mild symptoms

After a series of COVID-19 outbreaks were observed among the animals, the Danish government has asked local farms to&nbsp;cull over 1 million mink.

The matter came to light after the United States Department of Agriculture revealed in a report that a COVID-19 infection had its association&nbsp;with a mink farm in North Jutla.

Following that report, the Danish Patient Safety Authorit started collecting samples from mink farms, and nearly 34 farms were subjected to testing.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/battle-over-mink-fur-almost-brings-down-the-polish-government-333555">Also read:&nbsp;Battle over mink fur almost brings down the Polish government</a>

Earlier, at that time, the government imposed measures and restrictions to limit the spread of COVID-19 on mink farms. However, the cases increased drastically and by the start of October, nearly 60 mink farms had been infected in&nbsp;North Jutland alone, and 46 others were being observed.

"We have continuously launched initiatives to manage and contain the spread of infection," Mogens Jensen, the Danish Minister of Food, Agriculture and Fisheries said.

However, she also added that, "In view of the recent large increase, we must unfortunately state that it has not been sufficient to prevent continued spread of infection among the North Jutland mink herds."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/thousands-of-mink-dead-from-covid-19-outbreaks-in-us-334200">Also read:Thousands of mink dead from COVID-19 outbreaks in US</a>

While the decision has gained some negative views on social media, the locals have supported the government saying that while it is a difficult decision, human health has to be prioiritised first, and there has been no alternate solution to this yet.

"In recent weeks, we have all experienced that more and more farms in North Jutland have been infected, and no one has been able to explain the increase. Human health must come first,"&nbsp;age Pedersen, chairman of the Danish Mink Breeders Association said.

As per recent investigations, it has been revealed that minks are more prone to the novel coronavirus. However, scientists are still trying to figure out as to why this particular&nbsp;species is so susceptible to coronavirus in comparison to other animals.

After a series of COVID-19 outbreaks were observed among the animals, the Danish government has asked local farms to cull over 1 million mink. The matter came to light after the United States Department of Agriculture revealed in a report that a COVID-19 infection had its association with a mink farm in North Jutla.

After a series of COVID-19 outbreaks were observed among the animals, the Danish government has asked local farms to cull over 1 million mink. The matter came to light after the United States Department of Agriculture revealed in a report that a COVID-19 infection had its association with a mink farm in North Jutla. Following that report, the Danish Patient Safety Authorit started collecting samples from mink farms, and nearly 34 farms were subjected to testing. Also read: Battle over mink fur almost brings down the Polish government Earlier, at that time, the government imposed measures and restrictions to limit the spread of COVID-19 on mink farms. However, the cases increased drastically and by the start of October, nearly 60 mink farms had been infected in North Jutland alone, and 46 others were being observed. "We have continuously launched initiatives to manage and contain the spread of infection," Mogens Jensen, the Danish Minister of Food, Agriculture and Fisheries said. However, she also added that, "In view of the recent large increase, we must unfortunately state that it has not been sufficient to prevent continued spread of infection among the North Jutland mink herds." Also read:Thousands of mink dead from COVID-19 outbreaks in US While the decision has gained some negative views on social media, the locals have supported the government saying that while it is a difficult decision, human health has to be prioiritised first, and there has been no alternate solution to this yet. "In recent weeks, we have all experienced that more and more farms in North Jutland have been infected, and no one has been able to explain the increase. Human health must come first," age Pedersen, chairman of the Danish Mink Breeders Association said. As per recent investigations, it has been revealed that minks are more prone to the novel coronavirus. However, scientists are still trying to figure out as to why this particular species is so susceptible to coronavirus in comparison to other animals.

More than 1 million mink to be killed to contain spread of coronavirus in Denmark