ROYAL OAK (WWJ) -- The Detroit Zoological Society (DZS) has started the process of vaccinating animals who are considered the most susceptible for contracting COVID-19.
DZS has been authorized on a case-by-case basis by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to administer a special vaccine developed solely for animals by veterinary pharmaceutical company Zoetis.
Gorillas, chimpanzees, tigers and lions will be among the first to receive doses of the vaccine.
“The animals routinely get other vaccinations. Many of the mammals are trained to present themselves to our animal care staff for minor medical procedures, including vaccinations,” DZS chief life sciences officer Scott Carter explained. “We’re both thankful and relieved a special vaccine is now available to protect against COVID-19.”
The decision comes as several lions, tigers, leopards and gorillas have contracted COVID-19 in other zoos across the United States.
Meanwhile, a tiger and a lion have died from the virus in European and Indian zoos.
To date, no COVID-19 infections have been found in animals at the Detroit Zoo. Safety measures that have been implemented to prevent infections include full PPE for staff, as well as public barriers to ensure social distancing.
“Much like we vaccinate dogs for things like parvovirus, distemper or rabies, this is needed to protect animals at the Zoo,” said Dr. Ann Duncan, director of animal health for the DZS.
Headquartered in Kalamazoo, Zoetis’ research and development team
applied decades of experience in developing the special vaccine for animals.
Zoetis is also donating more than 11,000 doses to 70 zoos — as well as more than a dozen conservatories, sanctuaries and other organizations — across 27 states.
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