Two lions test positive for Covid-19 in Indian state Uttar Pradesh
The samples were sent for testing after both the lions were found to have high temperatures.
Authorities added that the pair were in stable condition. They have been kept in self-isolation with their health being monitored regularly.
The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change had previously stated that based on experience with other zoo animals who had also tested positive for Covid-19 across the globe, there is “no factual evidence that animals can transmit the disease to humans any further.
In a strong criticism of the Uttar Pradesh government’s handling of the crisis, the state’s top court said Tuesday that deaths of Covid-19 patients due to lack of oxygen is a “criminal act and not less than a genocide,” according to a judgement posted on the court’s website.
India also added 401,078 new Covid-19 cases, the third day in a row that over 400,000 cases have been recorded. The total number of cases stands at 21,892,676.
Over 167 million vaccine doses have been administered in India, according to a press release issued by the health ministry on Friday evening. With over 34 million having received their second dose, 2.6% of India’s 1.3 billion-strong population is fully vaccinated.