Zoo Animals Get COVID Vaccine Thanks To Parsippany-Based Company

PARSIPPANY, NJ — It started when the San Diego Zoo Safari Park confirmed cases of COVID-19 in its gorillas. As a result, Zoetis ramped up efforts to distribute its vaccine for animals.

The company, with headquarters in Parsippany, received experimental authorization for a COVID vaccine designed to protect more than 100 mammalian species. Zoetis donated more than 11,000 doses to 70 zoos and a dozen conservatories, sanctuaries, academic institutions and government organizations.

The Oakland Zoo received the first shipment June 29. The facility assembled its veterinary and animal-care teams and administered vaccinations to its highest-risk animals. Tigers, black bears, grizzly bears, mountain lions and ferrets received their first of two doses. Next up are primates, fruit bats and pigs.

At least 75 percent of emerging infectious diseases, including COVID-19, have an animal origin, according to the World Health Organization. So the Oakland Zoo had to take protective measures with its animals.

“Up until now, we have been using public barriers at certain habitats to ensure social distancing, along with enhanced PPE worn by staff to protect our susceptible species from COVID-19," said Dr. Alex Herman, the Oakland Zoo's vice president of veterinary services. "We’re happy and relieved to now be able to better protect our animals with this vaccine."

Zoetis — dedicated to advancing animal care — applied decades of experience developing other coronavirus vaccines for cats, dogs, poultry and cattle. When the first dog infection was discovered last year in Hong Kong, Zoetis began working on a vaccine that domestic animals could use.

Pets and livestock don't need COVID-19 vaccinations at this time, the company says. But after eight months of research, Zoetis completed its initial safety studies and presented them at the World One Health Congress last year.

The United States Department of Agriculture authorized experimental use on a case-by-case basis, with veterinarians deploying the shots.

Animals recently given the shot have shown no adverse reactions, according to the Oakland Zoo.

“More than ever before, the COVID-19 pandemic put a spotlight on the important connection between animal health and human health," said Mahesh Kumar, Zoetis's senior vice president of global biologics. "And we continue to monitor for emerging infectious diseases that can impact animals as well as people.”

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