A zoo spokeswoman confirmed an ORF.at report that these were random and event-related tests with a focus on big cats. An occasion could be, for example, an upcoming transport of an animal. Standard examinations are due beforehand, which can now be supplemented by a Covid test.
Especially at the beginning of the pandemic, cases of infection in primates, big cats, hyenas and otters were reported from other zoos worldwide. To her knowledge, there has not been a proven positive Covid case in animals in Schönbrunn, the spokeswoman said.
Even before Corona, strict hygiene rules applied in the Vienna Zoo, which have now been expanded to include precautionary measures against Covid-19, such as masks being worn by the nurses in certain areas. In the case of great apes and big cats in particular, there is no direct contact with the animals, but the measure is intended for the backstage area of the facilities, in addition to general measures such as distance, PRC tests and the recommendation for vaccination.
Source: Nachrichten
