COVID Virus Found in Common Wildlife

A recent study has detected the presence of SARS-CoV-2 in various common backyard species in Virginia, highlighting the virus’s transmission from humans to wildlife. Researchers from the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at VTC, Virginia Tech’s College of Science, and the Fralin Life Sciences Institute conducted the study, which identified the virus and antibodies indicating prior exposure in multiple species, with exposure rates ranging from 40% to 60%.

The study’s genetic tracking confirmed both the presence of the virus and unique mutations in wild animals, closely matching variants found in humans. The highest exposure rates were found in animals near hiking trails and high-traffic areas, suggesting human-to-animal transmission.

Researchers tested 23 common species, including deer mice, Virginia opossums, raccoons, groundhogs, Eastern cottontail rabbits, and Eastern red bats. They found that the virus isolated from one opossum showed previously unreported mutations, potentially affecting the virus’s impact on humans and their immune response.

Despite these findings, researchers stress there is no evidence of the virus being transmitted from animals to humans, advising people not to fear typical wildlife interactions. The study involved collecting 798 nasal and oral swabs and 126 blood samples from live-trapped or rehabilitated animals, comparing virus presence in areas with varying human activity levels.

The study’s results underscore the need for broad surveillance of wildlife to monitor and understand the transmission dynamics and mutations of SARS-CoV-2. Scientists speculate that the virus may spread from humans to animals through discarded food and trash receptacles rather than wastewater. The research, published in Nature Communications, calls for ongoing surveillance to identify and understand mutations and transmission pathways.

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