The Wuhan Virus Takes a Bite Out of a Bronx Zoo Tiger

The Wuhan Virus is sparing no species.

A 4-year-old Malayan tiger at the Bronx Zoo has tested positive for the Wuhan Virus after a noticeable bout of dry coughing, according to a statement the Wildlife Conservation Society released on April 5, 2020.

“Nadia, a 4-year-old female Malayan tiger at the Bronx Zoo, has tested positive for COVID-19. She, her sister Azul, two Amur tigers, and three African lions had developed a dry cough and all are expected to recover,” the statement highlighted

.USDA’s National Veterinary Services Laboratory in Iowa confirmed the diagnosis “out of an abundance of caution,” the society claimed.

The big cats are currently recovering, according to the WCS.

“Though they have experienced some decrease in appetite, the cats at the Bronx Zoo are otherwise doing well under veterinary care and are bright, alert, and interactive with their keepers,” the statement noted. “It is not known how this disease will develop in big cats since different species can react differently to novel infections, but we will continue to monitor them closely and anticipate full recoveries.”

The four big cats affected by the virus are currently in the zoo’s Tiger Mountain exhibit.

None of the other cats housed at the zoo, which includes leopards, cheetahs, and pumas, have demonstrated any symptoms, the society highlighted.

Zoo officials are hopeful that Nadia’s diagnosis “will ensure any knowledge we gain about COVID-19 will contribute to the world’s continuing understanding of this novel coronavirus.”

The zoo has been shut down since March 16 due to the growth of the virus.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, animals can contract the Wuhan Virus, but scientists don’t believe they can infect humans with it.

“In the United States, there is no evidence to suggest that any animals, including pets, livestock, or wildlife, might be a source of COVID019 infection at this time,” according to a CDC report.

“However, because all animals can carry germs that can make people sick, it’s always a good idea to practice healthy habits around pets and other animals,” the agency called attention to.

Globalism has numerous second and third order effects that many of its proponents tend to ignore.

For example, because of the increased risk of pandemics, many citizens have to give up liberties such as their right to bear arms or freedom of assembly due to quarantine measures.

On top of that, there are negative externalities such as animal health that many policymakers don’t take into account.

Policy should not be exclusively be made on the grounds that it will just boost the GDP.

Economic growth can often come with massive costs.