Georgia Aquarium Otters Test Positive For COVID-19 Virus

ATLANTA, GA — The Asian small-clawed otters at the Georgia Aquarium have tested positive for SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, aquarium officials said.

"They began exhibiting mild respiratory symptoms including sneezing, runny noses, mild lethargy and coughing," aquarium officials said in a news release. "While the Asian small-clawed otters are geriatric, they are already improving and expected to make a full recovery."

The otters are off exhibit and being cared for behind the scenes by the aquarium’s animal health and animal care teams.

“Our Asian small-clawed otters are under very close monitoring by veterinarians and animal care team members. They have displayed only mild symptoms, and we expect them all to make a full recovery,” said Dr. Tonya Clauss, vice president of animal and environmental health at Georgia Aquarium. “We are providing supportive care as needed so they can eat, rest and recover.”

The decision to test the Asian small-clawed otters for COVID-19 was made based on the clinical signs in the entire group. Georgia Aquarium veterinarians consulted with the state veterinarians’ office and the department of health.

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

"Out of an abundance of caution, all staff who have been in contact with the otters have been tested," the organization said. "The risk of animal-to-human transmission is incredibly rare. The Asian small-clawed otters at the aquarium do not have direct contact with guests and have always been behind acrylic barriers, separating them from guests. The otters will continue to be monitored; and once they are no longer positive for COVID-19, it will then be determined when they will go back on exhibit."

Information on the impact of COVID-19 in otter species is unknown. Based on other zoological facility animals and the aquarium’s small-clawed otters’ health status, it is anticipated there will not be any long-term health issues from COVID-19. Any additional updates on the otters will be provided as it becomes available.

More information on COVID-19 and animals is available at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention or the American Veterinary Medical Association. More information on Asian small-clawed otters can be found at the aquarium’s animal guide.