SARS-CoV-2 Infection in Captive Hippos (Hippopotamus amphibius), Belgium
F. Vercammen, Brigitte Cay, Sophie Gryseels, Nadège Balmelle, Léa Joffrin, Koenraad Van Hoorde, Bavo Verhaegen, Élisabeth Mathijs, Rianne van Vredendaal, Tanmay Dharmadhikari, Koen Chiers, Tim J. S. Van Olmen, Gianfilippo Agliani, Judith M. A. van den Brand, Herwig Leirs
Abstract
Two adult female hippos in Zoo Antwerp who were naturally infected with SARS-CoV-2 showed nasal discharge for a few days. Virus was detected by immunocytochemistry and PCR in nasal swab samples and by PCR in faeces and pool water. Serology was also positive. No treatment was necessary.
Topics & Concepts
HippopotamusFecesBiologySerologyZoologyVirologyVeterinary medicineMedicineEcologyImmunologyAntibodySARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19 ResearchAnimal Virus Infections StudiesViral gastroenteritis research and epidemiology