Three rare snow leopards die after testing positive for Covid at US zoo

Three snow leopards have died after contracting Covid at a US zoo, heartbroken keepers have announced.

The rare big cats, which are classified as vulnerable by the World Wildlife Fund, passed away at the Lincoln Children's Zoo in Nebraska.

Two tigers who were also found to have the virus have recovered, bosses said in a statement.

It is the latest in a string of recorded animal infections with the virus, as some zoos in the US roll out a vaccine programme to protect them.

The Lincoln Children's Zoo announced the tragedy in a post on Facebook, writing: "It is with deep sadness that we inform our community that three snow leopards at the Lincoln Children's Zoo have passed away due to complications of COVID-19.

"Our leopards, Ranney, Everest, and Makalu, were beloved by our entire community inside and outside of the zoo.

The tragedy was confirmed by zoo bosses on Facebook (Facebook)

"This loss is truly heartbreaking, and we are all grieving together."

Keepers said that two other animals appeared to have made a full recovery.

The statement continued: "Sumatran tigers, Axl and Kumar, have made a seemingly full recovery from their illness. The Lincoln Children's Zoo remains open to the public and continues to take every precaution to prevent the spread of COVID-19 to humans and animals.

"We will continue following the American Association of Zoo Veterinarians (AAZV) and CDC guidelines to ensure the safety of our animals, staff, and community."

Last week five lions tested positive for the virus at zoos in Singapore.

Keepers said they were 'heartbroken' after the snow leopards died (Facebook)

Professor Dale Fisher, of the National University Hospital's Division of Infectious Diseases, told the Straits Times that infection can be passed from humans to animals if they have close exposure.

He said that this was found to be prevalent in minks, leading to millions of them being culled.

Back in June The Mirror reported on Russia having developed the first animal-specific jab tested successfully on cats and dogs.

In the US, animal health company Zoetis Inc (ZTS.N) has developed a COVID-19 vaccine and distributed experimental doses to nearly 70 zoos across the United States.