Granby Zoo to vaccinate animals against COVID-19

A “worrisome” increase in the number of COVID-19 cases has been observed in North American zoos, especially in big cats.

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After millions of Quebecers rolled up their sleeves for their COVID-19 vaccine doses, now it’s time to inoculate the animals at Granby Zoo.

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The zoo’s administration says they hope to be able to vaccinate about 90 animals in the coming weeks and months. These include gorillas, big cats, and other species more susceptible to contracting the disease. Vaccines intended for animals are currently in the United States awaiting authorization.

Veterinarian Émilie Couture said she’s keeping her fingers crossed that at least some species would get their fix by Christmas.

The zoo plans to vaccinate the species that appear most vulnerable to COVID-19, such as primates, tigers, jaguars, leopards, and some other mammals such as red pandas.

A “worrying” increase in the number of COVID-19 cases has been observed in North American zoos, particularly in big cats, Couture said.

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Last week, three snow leopards died of complications from COVID-19 at the Lincoln Children’s Zoo in Nebraska. This event has greatly shocked the zoo community in North America, the vet said.

In contrast to the beginning of the pandemic, infections appear to lead to a more serious form of illness, Couture said. As with humans, the Delta variant could possibly be the culprit.

The vaccines designed for animals are produced by the pharmaceutical company Zoetis, which specializes in veterinary medicine. American zoos began using it during the summer. The company has offered to donate approximately 900 doses to six Canadian zoos. Zoetis said their vaccine is designed especially for animals and should be given in two doses, over a period of a few weeks, like those in humans.

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The next step is to get the doses to Canada, which could take weeks or even months. Because the vaccine is not marketed, Zoetis is seeking approval for experimental use from the Canadian Center for Veterinary Biologics and the US Department of Agriculture.

No animals have developed symptoms similar to COVID-19 at the Granby Zoo, Couture said. Nonetheless, the facility has implemented measures throughout the pandemic to protect its animals, including improving cleaning practices, suspending backstage visits, reducing touch interactions, and requiring hand disinfection. and the use of masks for workers.

The biggest threat to animals comes from humans, Couture said. He added that there have been no reports of an animal infecting one of its keepers.

The Toronto and Calgary zoos have also indicated that they want to vaccinate their animals as soon as a product is available. The Toronto Zoo has already identified 140 animals, including primates, big cats and pigs.

All zoos are waiting for the arrival of the Zoetis vaccine, as no Canadian company offers such a product for animals.

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Reference-montrealgazette.com

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