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Virus that causes COVID-19 is widespread in wildlife, Virginia Tech scientists find!



Virginia Tech scientists have discovered that SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for COVID-19, is widespread among wildlife, particularly near areas of high human activity. 


The study, published in Nature Communications on July 29, 2024, revealed that the virus has been detected in six common backyard species, with antibodies indicating prior exposure found in five species.


 Exposure rates ranged from 40 to 60% depending on the species.


Genetic analysis confirmed the presence of SARS-CoV-2 and identified unique viral mutations in wildlife, closely matching variants circulating in humans. 


This supports the notion of human-to-animal transmission. 


The highest exposure rates were found in animals near hiking trails and other high-traffic areas, suggesting that humans are the primary source of infection for these animals.


Despite the discovery of novel mutations in the virus among wildlife, the researchers found no evidence of the virus being transmitted from animals to humans. 


Therefore, typical interactions with wildlife should not be a cause for concern.


The study tested 23 common Virginia species for active infections and antibodies.

 

Deer mice, Virginia opossums, raccoons, groundhogs, Eastern cottontail rabbits, and Eastern red bats showed signs of the virus. 


A notable finding was a Virginia opossum with previously unreported viral mutations, which could potentially impact human immunity.


Carla Finkielstein, a professor of biological sciences at Virginia Tech, explained that the virus adapts and mutates to survive in new hosts when humans are vaccinated and protected.


 The study significantly expands the understanding of SARS-CoV-2 transmission in wildlife, suggesting that human activity areas may serve as cross-species transmission points.


Joseph Hoyt, assistant professor of Biological Sciences at Virginia Tech, emphasized the importance of understanding SARS-CoV-2 transmission in common backyard wildlife, a previously under-researched area. 


The team collected 798 nasal and oral swabs and 126 blood samples from six species across various locations in Virginia.


The study also noted two mice at the same site with the same variant, indicating either infection from the same human or one infecting the other.


 Possible transmission sources include wastewater and discarded food.


Finkielstein highlighted the importance of genome sequencing in understanding the virus's mutations, which helps track its evolution and transmission. 


Surveillance for these mutations should continue, as more research is needed to understand how the virus spreads among wildlife and potentially to humans.


Hoyt concluded that the study shows the virus's wide host range and emphasizes the need for further research to determine the long-term impact of SARS-CoV-2 on both wildlife and humans.


 Finkielstein added that addressing the virus's impact on various species requires a multidisciplinary approach.


#MattChittum , #VirginiaTech #BiologyPlants & #Animals

#BiologyMolecular & #Computationalbiology

#Nanotechnology #Physics #Earth #Astronomy & #Space #Chemistry #Biology #OtherSciences

#CarlaFinkielstein #VirginiaTech

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