No pandas infected with COVID-19, says conservation center

A staff member interacts(互动 hùdòng) with giant pandas at the Shenshuping protection base, Wolong National Nature Reserve, Sichuan Province. [Photo provided by China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda]

 
COVID-19 has not directly affected(影响 yǐngxiǎng huànyǎng de) the health of wild(野生的 yěshēng de) and captive(圈养的 juànyǎng de) giant pandas, says staff members of the China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda. They added that there have been no cases of infection(感染 gǎnrǎn) among all pandas in Sichuan Province.
 

Sichuan Province in southwest China was significantly affected by coronavirus. To ensure(保证 bǎozhèng) the health(健康 jiànkāng) of the endangered species, the center formulated a series of prevention and control schemes(方案 fāng'àn).
 

During the period of high incidence rate of the infectious disease, staff provided nutritious meals(食物 shíwù) for pandas to improve their immune system(免疫系统 miǎnyì xìtǒng). In addition, based on the habits(习惯 xíguàn) of pandas at different ages, the center carried out targeted measures to protect pandas in need of special care and those with pre-existing illnesses.
 

The virus, however, has indirectly affected the captive giant pandas. It was mainly reflected in food transportation, feeding and especially breeding, noted one panda keeper at the center. The mating season for giant pandas is spring, which is from February to May.
 

Four panda bases under the China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda, wher 182 pandas are housed, have been closed since January 25. The activity areas for pandas have been disinfected(消毒 xiāodú) each day during the closure.
 

Fortunately, the four bases are in the low-risk areas of the COVID-19 infection. Staff members say that all bases are preparing to resume(恢复 huīfù) operation(运营 yùnyíng) and will open at the appropriate time.

重点词汇 Key word:

健康

    <名词 n.> health; physique
    E.g. Jiànkāng nǎi wújiàzhībǎo.
    健康乃无价之宝。
    Good health is a pearl beyond price.

    <形容词 adj.> healthy; sound
    E.g. Tā hěn jiànkāng.
    他很健康。
    He is as sound as a bell.