Human-to-human transmission of the delta variant of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) detected at a zoo in Singapore in 2021.
A detailed report on this anthropogenic viral transmission is in Emerging Infectious Diseases, a journal of the U. S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). U. S.
Scientists from the Singapore National Parks Board studied the occurrence of SARS-CoV-2 infection in captive African and Asian lions at a Singapore zoo during the delta-dominated wave in 2021. To control interspecific viral transmission and protect endangered species, they sought to perceive the transmission dynamics of SARS-CoV-2 in other hosts.
The scientists tested a total of nine Asiatic lions and five African lions kept in separate enclosures at the Singapore Zoo. In November 2021, respiratory symptoms were observed in a male Asiatic lion. The next day, symptoms were observed in 3 female Asiatic lions kept in the same enclosure. On Nov. 8, a male African lion from a separate enclosure developed symptoms.
Of the 18 zookeepers who were in close contact with those lions, six were tested for SARS-CoV-2 on Nov. 1 and on Nov. 4 developed mild respiratory symptoms starting Nov. 2.
For viral detection, breath samples were collected from two inflamed lions and analyzed using real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The effects of the test showed the presence of SARS-CoV-2. Fecal samples were collected from inflamed lions for non-invasive infection surveillance for 3 weeks.
Within five days of initial viral detection (the index case), ten lions were infected with SARS-CoV-2. However, all lions made a full recovery as of December 3, 2021.
RNA collected from two nasal patterns and one fecal pattern was used serially with Oxford Nanopore technology. Two complete SARS-CoV-2 genomes were assembled from nasal samples and subjected to phylogenomic research along with 37 GISAID genomic series that included the genomic series received from a zookeeper. GISAID (the Global Influenza Data Exchange Initiative) is a global initiative established in 2008 for the immediate sharing of influenza-like genomic knowledge.
Phylogenomic effects revealed superior viral genetic similarity between lions and zookeeper, indicating an anthropogenic (human-to-animal) direction of SARS-CoV-2 transmission. The viral subclade was known as the delta lineage AY. 23. 1, with the SARS-CoV-2 strain circulating mainly during the study period.
Viral genomes isolated from lions had ten key mutations in the spike protein and two amino acid deletions of open-read frame 8 (ORF8) at positions D119- and F120-, also found in viral genome sequences isolated from inflamed specimens in Singapore. Notably, in November 2021, 94% SARS-CoV-2 vaccination policy in Singapore; However, the lions were not vaccinated against the virus.
The study highlights the threat of transmission of SARS-CoV-2 to captive or endangered animals through inflamed humans who are in close contact with those animals as caretakers. Given the threat of anthropogenic transmission, the relevant government deserves to implement strict infection measures in captive puppy shops.
The involvement of a viral infection in captive animals can have serious consequences for the conservation of protected animals. Previous studies in mink and hamsters have highlighted the potential threat of animal-to-human transmission of SARS-CoV-2. These studies have reported the initiation of mass slaughter operations as a measure aimed at breaking the multiple chains of transmission. However, it should be noted that, unlike small animals, mass culling of giant or endangered animals is an impractical technique to combat infection.
Lion populations are already vulnerable due to habitat loss, climate change, poaching, and disease. Infection with a novel virus similar to SARS-CoV-2 can have more distressing consequences for their populations. Therefore, scientists recommend that wildlife conservation centers deserve to implement strict biosecurity measures and promote the vaccination of vulnerable animals. These measures are imperative for viral transmission and protecting vulnerable animal populations.
Written by
Dr. Sanchari Sinha Dutta is a science communicator who believes in spreading the power of science to all corners of the world. He holds a Bachelor of Science (B. Sc. ) and a Master of Science (M. Sc. ) in Human Biology. After completing his master’s degree, Sanchari continued his doctoral studies in human physiology. She is the author of more than 10 original articles, all published in world-renowned foreign journals.
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