Abstract:
Reverse-zoonotic infections of severe acute respiratory syndrome-related coronavirus 2
(SARS-CoV-2) from humans to wildlife species internationally raise concern over the emergence of
new variants in animals. A better understanding of the transmission dynamics and pathogenesis in
susceptible species will mitigate the risk to humans and wildlife occurring in Africa. Here we report
infection of an exotic puma (July 2020) and three African lions (July 2021) in the same private zoo
in Johannesburg, South Africa. One Health genomic surveillance identified transmission of a Delta
variant from a zookeeper to the three lions, similar to those circulating in humans in South Africa.
One lion developed pneumonia while the other cases had mild infection. Both the puma and lions
remained positive for SARS-CoV-2 RNA for up to 7 weeks.
Description:
SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIAL : TABLE S1: PCR and serological results from direct and indirect human contacts with infected lions, TABLE S2: Detection of SARS-CoV-2 E and RdRp genes from lion faecal samples in Ct values, FIGURE S1: Bayesian phylogenetic inference of whole genome sequences detected in lions and humans.
