Hippos catch Covid in Belgium as cases surge across Europe
TWO hippos at a Belgian zoo have tested positive for Covid. Hermien, 41, and her daughter Imani, 14, are said to be keeping well, despite suffering from exceptionally runny noses.
Francis Vercammen, Antwerp Zoo’s vet, said: ‘To my knowledge, it’s the first recorded contamination among this species. Throughout the world this virus has mostly been seen in great apes and felines.’
Hermien and Imani’s positive test results were confirmed on Friday at Belgium’s national veterinary lab. The hippo enclosure is now closed to the public and will only reopen once the pair test negative for Covid. Their handlers do not have the virus but must wear masks and safety glasses before approaching the two animals.
Covid is common among pet cats and dogs whose owners have the disease, according to a study published this summer.
Elsewhere in Europe, thousands of protesters marched against stringent lockdowns and plans to introduce compulsory vaccinations. More than 40,000 took to the streets of Austria’s capital, Vienna, carrying signs with messages such as ‘I will decide for myself’ and ‘Make Austria Great Again.’
Faced with a surge in infections, the Austrian government last month made it the first country in Western Europe to reimpose a lockdown and said it would make vaccinations mandatory from February. About 1,200 police marshalled the protesters, some of whom threw fireworks.
In the Netherlands, thousands marched through Utrecht yesterday for an ‘Unvaccinated Lives Matter’ rally. The Dutch government imposed a partial lockdown three weeks ago and tightened it as Covid-19 infections remained the highest they have been since the start of the pandemic. All bars, restaurants and other public venues, including stores selling non-essential goods, have to close at 5pm.
Ireland also tightened coronavirus restrictions over fears about the Omicron variant. From December 7 to January 9, nightclubs will close and only six people will be allowed on each table at pubs, restaurants and bars.
Germany is set to bar unvaccinated citizens from restaurants, cinemas, theatres and some shops. Those without a jab will also be limited to socialising with only two other people inside their own homes.
Almost 70 per cent of Germans are fully vaccinated, short of the government’s aim of a minimum 75 per cent. Outgoing Chancellor Angela Merkel yesterday urged citizens to have the vaccine, after 78 daily deaths were recorded.
‘This is so bitter because it is avoidable,’ she said. ‘With the effective and safe vaccines, we have the key to this in our hands.’