SARS-CoV-2 is a dangerous virus that has caused the COVID-19 pandemic worldwide. We have forgotten about it today, but that does not mean that the pathogen has disappeared. Moreover, new research by scientists in the United States has shown that The virus is spreading among wild animals..
US researchers conducted tests on animals exposed to SARS-CoV-2. For this purpose, nearly 800 nasal and oral swabs were collected and tested from individuals in rehabilitation centers or those who were caught and then released into the wild.
Among the animals tested, the most successful were: Determination of the presence of antibodies to SARS CoV-2 in six different species. This means they have been in contact with the virus. Most of these animals are species common in North America.
Studies have also shown that exposure to SARS-CoV-2 It occurs more often in places where more people live.In areas with high human activity, the incidence of antibodies in animals was three times higher. The conclusion is that people are responsible for the increased spread of the pathogen.
In some species, the risk of exposure to SARS CoV-2 has been estimated to be as high as 60%. However, the reassuring fact is that at the moment No evidence has been found that the virus is capable of re-transmission from infected animals to humans..
Older studies have already shown that humans transmit far more viruses to animals (about twice as much) than the other way around. This may be the case with SARS CoV-2. In the case of wild animals that do not have direct contact with humans, the risk is increased through garbage and sewage.
Scientists have identified the types of wildlife that have come into contact with the pathogen. The list includes eastern rabbits (Sylvilagus floridanus), raccoons (Procyon lotor), eastern red bats (Peromyscus maniculatus), northern white opossums (Didelphis virginiana), badgers (Marmota monax), and eastern red bats (Lasiurus borealis).
Scientists add that The virus is looking for new organisms in which to survive, because a large portion of humanity has been vaccinated.Therefore, SARS CoV-2 mutates and spreads to other species. Often without even showing obvious symptoms of infection. However, this raises concerns about possible mutations that could pose a risk to humans.
