COVID-19: Zoo Negara takes precautionary measures to keep animals safe

Zoo Negara veterinary director, Dr Mat Naim Ramli said the movement of zoo keepers to the stables and cages have been reduced to four hours a day.

"Since there have been two to three human-to-animal transmission cases reported, precautionary measures have been taken especially for those who are constantly exposed to animals or working in a zoo," he told Bernama today.

Yesterday, the international media reported that a Malayan tiger at New York's Bronx Zoo tested positive for COVID-19 after having been exposed to a staff who was COVID-19 positive although the worker showed no symptoms while caring for the animal.

In general, he said there was a possibility that COVID-19 could spread from humans to animals if the patient had close contact with the animal and added that so far there has been no clear evidence that pet infections can spread to humans or other animals.

Dr Mat Naim said animals infected with COVID-19 may not show any symptoms of infection or may experience mild infection.

He urged the public who kept pets at home especially cats and dogs not to panic and rush their pets to a veterinary clinic for health checks.

"There is no COVID-19 test kit for animals at veterinary clinics so it's no use going there even if your dog or cat is found to have cough and flu symptoms.

"It is important to take care of your personal hygiene and wash your hands before and after handling your pets," he said.

Those who are tested positive for COVID-19 need to stay away from others including their pets," he said.

Meanwhile, Dr Mat Naim said he welcomed the public's contributions, especially animal food and zoo cleaning equipment.

"So far we have collected RM200,000 in donations from various parties and the public but we still need contributions in the form of vegetables and fruits for the more than 300 animals at Zoo Negara.

"Those keen on donating animal feed and zoo cleaning equipment such as garbage bags, brooms, rakes and so on can call 03-41083422 for more information," he said.