Coronavirus threatens wildlife – What is its effect | Skai.gr

A recent WebMD article refers to the threat of COVID-19 in wildlife.

The most likely source of the virus that caused the COVID-19 pandemic is a corresponding virus that infects bats. Since the beginning of the pandemic, the scientific community has wondered if this virus can be transmitted from humans to animals and what species of animals could be infected. It is important to understand if COVID-19 can infect or cause disease in wildlife in order to ensure its safety and protect humans from new outbreaks of coronavirus.

How COVID-19 can affect wildlife

In humans, the virus that causes COVID-19 binds to the ACE2 receptor on target cells. After studying ACE2 sequences from different species, predictions were made as to which species were at risk of infection with the virus. Studies have shown that several types of animals can be infected with COVID-19. Species include both wildlife and captive animals (such as those living in zoos or farms).

Wildlife screening is important to detect any new COVID-19 cases. In areas with controlled wildlife, it is important to perform laboratory tests to check for the spread of the virus. Early diagnosis will help specialists find the source of the infection and have a better idea of ​​how it is transmitted to these species.

Studies have been done on more than 50 species of animals in many zoos and aquariums. The CDC has identified COVID-19 infections in wild animals such as large cats, otters, mink, primates and certain species of deer. The number of different species that can infect the virus increases as the pandemic continues.

No transmission of COVID-19 from one species to another has been observed in zoos. Animals are infected by humans with COVID-19. Animals can be infected by contact with contaminated objects or surfaces or by the transmission of aerosols (through the air).

Scientists are not particularly concerned about cases of COVID-19 among captive animals. In these cases, animal caregivers can usually control the spread through quarantine, vaccination or even selective killing of the animals. On the contrary, it is more difficult to control transmissions to free animals in nature.

Because of this difficulty, there is a constant effort to investigate wildlife outbreaks. Wildlife populations are constantly being investigated in order to immediately identify the source of the outbreak. Researchers monitor animals in zoos, homes, shelters, veterinary clinics, farms and areas adjacent to animal areas. If positive COVID-19 cases are reported, the country will notify the World Organization for Animal Health.