Lions and pumas at a South African zoo may have contracted Covid from their handlers, according to a study by scientists at the University of Pretoria.<br />''  <br />''The scientists warn of the risk of new variants emerging if the virus establishes itself in other animal reservoirs and is transmitted back to human beings.<br />''  <br />''The study was done after the animals fell ill with symptoms that were similar to coronavirus in human beings – including breathing difficulties, runny noses and a dry cough.<br />''  <br />''Covid tests on the animals turned out positive, the research noted, with data suggesting that they contracted the virus from staff handling them.<br />''  <br />''The authors noted that the zoo keepers had coronavirus circulating among them at the time but showed no symptoms.<br />''  <br />''They have recommended measures such as wearing masks and infection control when dealing with captive animals.<br />''<span style="color: #222222;">        <br />''The research has been published in the journal Viruses.</span><br />