SARS-CoV-2 Delta Variant among Asiatic Lions, India

In May 2021, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) was detected in Asiatic lions in a zoological park in India. Sequence and phylogenetic analyses showed the SARS-CoV-2 strains were the B.1.617.2 (Delta) variant. To reduce transmission of variants of concern, surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 in wild animal populations should be increased.

Automated summary

In May 2021, Asiatic lions in a zoological park in India were found to be infected with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), specifically the B.1.617.2 (Delta) variant. To reduce transmission of variants of concern, surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 in wild animal populations should be increased.