Viruses that cause the common cold in humans are devastating populations of chimpanzees and gorillas. In some ape communities, it’s a bigger killer than habitat loss or poaching
Humans are increasingly passing pathogens to animal populations, imperilling endangered species such as chimpanzees and gorillas. Humans are increasingly passing pathogens to animal populations, imperilling endangered species such as chimpanzees and gorillas.
Selfie-taking tourists risk giving wild gorillas COVID-19, other diseases msn.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from msn.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
Selfie-taking tourists risk giving wild gorillas COVID-19, other diseases
The majority of gorilla selfies that researchers found on Instagram violated social distancing rules meant to keep the endangered great apes safe.
ByRachel Nuwer
Email
COVID-19 isn’t merely a human disease animals can catch it too. Species infected so far include domestic cats, lions, tigers, mink, and dogs. In January, three gorillas at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park tested positive, the first such cases in any non-human primate.
The gorillas which were likely infected by an asymptomatic keeper recovered, in part with medical help. Winston, the troop’s 49-year-old leader, who has an underlying heart condition, developed pneumonia and was given antibiotics, heart medication, and monoclonal antibody therapy.