Infection by SARS-CoV-2 in a rescued serval (Leptailurus serval, Schreber, 1776)

In late November 2021, a male serval (Leptailurus serval) which had escaped from an unknown holding facility was observed in the Bükk Mountains of Northern Hungary. A few days were needed to capture the animal with a live trap, after which it was transported to a national Rescue Centre at the Budapest Zoo and Botanical Garden. The exact origin of the specimen was never identified and apart from being emaciated, it seemed only to be stressed and weakened by the cold weather and starvation. Contrary to the initial fair prognosis, 2.5 days after admittance, the animal rapidly developed pronounced respiratory and central nervous system signs and despite intensive treatment died within a few hours. The subsequent diagnostic investigation revealed that the cause of death was SARS-CoV-2 infection. These diagnostic steps excluded other possible, lethal felid pathogens as causative agents and confirmed that the disease process was attributed to this virus.