It seems that otters can also get COVID-19

An entire group of small-claw otters at the Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta tested positive for COVID-19, which is likely to contract the disease of an asymptomatic staff member.

The otters were tested after they began to show mild breathing symptoms, such as sneezing, runny nose, mild lethargy and coughing, the aquarium said Sunday.

The animals, all of which are considered ‘geriatric’, are likely to recover completely, the aquarium said.

“Despite the recommendation of the recommended health and safety protocols, it is suspected that the otters contracted the infection from an asymptomatic staff member,” the aquarium said.

The facility’s small-climbing otters “show only mild symptoms and we expect them all to recover completely,” said Dr. Tonya Clauss, vice president of animal and environmental health at the aquarium, said in a statement. “We provide supportive care as needed so they can eat, rest and recover.”

None of the sick otters had direct contact with guests, which is separated from the animals by an acrylic barrier. Staff members who work with the animals have all been tested. The aquarium did not disclose the test results.

A number of other species have tested positive for SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. More than 10,000 minks in Utah have died as a result of the disease, which has also been detected in dogs, cats, lions, tigers and gorillas.

Some whales may also be susceptible to the virus, although a definitive answer requires more research.