Tiger Can Get COVID-19 Test, But Veterans Can't

A tiger in the Bronx Zoo tested positive for coronavirus. It is a little suspicious this occurred at the peak of the hit TV show Tiger King. Furthermore, Carole Baskin has not responded for a comment.We are not actually angry about this because it wasn't a human test, and the whole situation is hilarious. It's just frustrating that we are so behind on human tests, especially for at-risk, older Veterans. Nevertheless, imagine being the researchers who had to field the results of that first test? We imagine the conversation went like:"These COVID-19 results are odd""Yeah, the form says the patient is Malayan?""Yeah but wait... It says it's for... a tiger??""A what??"Dr. Paul Calle, the Bronx Zoo chief veterinarian, gave us some insight on the matter:"You cannot send human samples to the veterinary laboratory, and you cannot send animal tests to the human laboratories, so there is no competition for testing between these very different situations."They went on to say "Though they have experienced some decrease in appetite, the cats at the Bronx Zoo are otherwise doing well under veterinary care and are bright, alert, and interactive with their keepers."It is unclear if the tiger can transmit the virus back to humans. As a result, the zoo recommends avoiding contact with all animals if you are showing symptoms. Additionally, the Center for Disease Control's website says "CDC is aware of a very small number of pets outside the United States reportedexternal icon to be infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 after close contact with people with COVID-19."They go on to say that there is no evidence that companion animals, such as dogs, can contract the virus.Regardless of the endless jokes, it is important to know how the virus works. We need to figure out everything we can, in order to beat it. In conclusion, try to avoid coughing on tigers and sound off in the comments with your thoughts.