Otters with Covid-19 in Atlanta aquarium are 'recovering well'

The animals appear to have been infected by a staff member, despite precautions taken by the aquarium

Asian small-clawed otters play in their enclosure at the National Zoo in Washington March 3, 2007. Reuters

Otters have tested positive for Covid-19 at an aquarium in Atlanta, but have only suffered mild symptoms and are expected to make a full recovery, the Georgia Aquarium said in a Facebook post.

All of the Asian Small Clawed Otters are being given "supportive care," said Dr Tonya Clauss, vice president of animal and environmental health at the aquarium.

"They began exhibiting mild respiratory symptoms such as sneezing, runny noses, mild lethargy, and some began coughing," she said.

After the pandemic began last year, there was increasing concern that animals in close contact with humans could pose a risk of infection.

In November, Denmark culled millions of mink that were being farmed for fur and were found to have been infected with Covid-19.

But luckily for the otters, staff said there was thought to be minimal risk to humans, who in this case passed the disease to the otters.

Some veterinary practices and zoos test animals in their care and as with humans, a common form of testing is the nasal swab.

"Despite following all recommended health and safety protocols, it is suspected the otters may have acquired the infection from an asymptomatic staff member," the aquarium said.