Abstract
The current pandemic caused by a novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) has underlined the importance of emerging diseases of zoonotic importance. Along with human beings, several species of wild and pet animals have been demonstrated to be infected by SARS-CoV-2, both naturally and experimentally. In addition, with constant emergence of new variants, the species susceptibility might further change which warrants intensified screening efforts. India is a vast and second most populated country, with a habitat of a very diverse range of animal species. In this study we place on record of SARS-CoV-2 infections in three captive Asiatic lions. Detailed genomic characterization revealed involvement of Delta mutant (Pango lineage B.1.617.2) of SARS-CoV-2 at two different locations. Interestingly, no other feline species enclosed in the zoo/park were found infected. The epidemiological and molecular analysis will contribute to the understanding of the emerging mutants of SARS-CoV-2 in wild and domestic animals.
Keywords: COVID-19; Delta mutant; SARS-CoV-2; lions.
【저자키워드】 COVID-19, SARS-CoV-2, Delta mutant, lions., 【초록키워드】 pandemic, SARS-COV-2 infection, susceptibility, India, Delta, B.1.617.2, variants, Novel coronavirus, zoonotic, Lineage, emerging disease, epidemiological, mutant, genomic, molecular analysis, country, caused, addition, contribute, demonstrated, 【제목키워드】 India, Infection, Delta, mutant, natural, Asiatic lion,