Humans and non-human great apes in Africa share over 98% DNA genetic material and zoonotic diseases have been transmitted between them causing morbidity and mortality. Studies indicate primates are just as susceptible as humans to COVID-19 because they have the same Angiotensin Converting Enzyme (ACE2) protein receptors that the SARS-COV2 virus attaches to.

Due to apes’ susceptibility to COVID-19, there was cut back on tour guides and wildlife caretakers, tourists significantly reduced causing a drop in tourism income and animal protection. Besides exposure to the novel disease COVID-19, apes were also exposed to poaching, wildlife trafficking, etc.

The policy recommends an integrated ‘One Health’ response to the COVID-19 pandemic. It is a combined effort of Governments, Donor partners and tour operators to stop the spread of COVID-19 to the apes and protect the apes and tourism industry against the emerging zoonotic diseases.

https://igcp.org/content/uploads/2022/02/POLICY-BRIEF-ON-AFRICAS-GREAT-APES-AND-COVID-19.pdf