CHENNAI: At the Arignar Anna Zoological park in Vandalur, where a lioness died of suspected Covid-19 and nine lions tested positive for the infection, the authorities have been advised to reduce mananimal contact to help avoid spread of the virus, said a Tamil Nadu Veterinary and Animal Sciences University (Tanuvas) official.
The official, part of the team prescribing the treatment protocol to the zoo authorities, said epidemiological research showed a mild replication of the virus among dogs, but was not being transmitted.
For big cats, it could be spread by humans, mainly when feed is taken to the enclosures.
Feed should be placed in the enclosures before the animals are released and social distancing should be maintained among lions and tigers, he said.
On Saturday, head of the forest department S Yuvaraj visited the zoo and instructed officials to follow the treatment protocol.
A zoo source said among the animals that tested positive, lionesses Kavitha and Buvana are responding slowly.
Zoo managers have also been told to ensure the safety of all the animal keepers.