The troop of chimpanzees at a South Australian zoo that contracted a virus commonly seen in human children probably got it from a tissue that blew into their enclosure, the head of Zoos SA says.
The head of Zoos SA says they could have got it from an errant tissueThe Monarto Safari Park last week announced that its chimpanzee enclosure would be closed after, a virus that is most serious for babies under one-year-old.
Zoos SA chief executive Elaine Bensted said it was unlikely the chimps caught RSV from a keeper, as they wore masks and gloves when they prepared food for the apes, since they were also at risk of catching COVID-19. "It could have been as simple as someone dropping a tissue that blew into their exhibit and, chimps being chimps, they would have instantly picked it up and probably rubbed their faces in it because it's something new and smelly," Ms Bensted said.
"So it's probably something like that but [it's] unlikely whether we'll really be able to determine what that was but it would have been from a human." The chimps are drinking tea with honey and lemon — sometimes containing paracetamol — along with home-made soup in cups.
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
COVID wave to peak in August as new strains spread like measles, PM warnedCasual workers who get COVID will again be able to access pandemic leave payments until the end of September after Prime Minister Anthony Albanese reversed his decision to stick with the original end date. auspol
Read more »
What are the current mask rules in Australia?YOUR SAY: Should mask mandates return for the rest of winter? Public health officials are calling on the government to bring back mask mandates in a bid to curb rising new infections, hospitalisations and deaths across the country. 9News DETAILS:
Read more »
World Health Organization confirms highly infectious Marburg virus outbreak in GhanaThe World Health Organization declares Ghana's first outbreak of the Ebola-like Marburg virus disease after labs confirm the infections in two fatal cases announced earlier this month.
Read more »
Ukraine mourners bury four-year-old Liza as Russian attacks intensifyRockets and missiles continue to pound Ukrainian towns amid fears of renewed Russian offensive
Read more »
Last drinks for Brisbane's Eagle Street Pier restaurants ahead of $2 billion Dexus redevelopmentMany of the remaining restaurants on Eagle Street Pier will close this weekend before the popular site is cleared for two new office towers.
Read more »