The United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service recently partnered with the Greenville Zoo as part of a larger Zoo and Aquarium Serology Study focused on SARS-CoV-2. A team of veterinarians from APHIS Veterinary Services visited the zoo in Greenville, South Carolina to conduct a biosecurity practices survey, assessing measures to reduce risk of transmission of SARS-CoV-2 to animal collections, staff, and visitors. In addition to the assessment, the zoo shared data and samples from collection animals to help APHIS identify the range of species that may be susceptible to SARS-CoV-2. View the video below and read the full stakeholder announcement to learn more about this partnership.
Since the project was first announced in February 2022, the APHIS team has completed assessments at 60 zoos and aquariums, using a standardized tool to assess facility’s individual characteristics and practices. The Zoo and Aquarium Serology Study is funded by the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021. Additional information can be found on USDA’s one-pager about the project and the original announcement calling for participants.