Closing the Gap: How the SARS-CoV-2 Cases in Animals Highlight Opportunities for Prevention
Animal-to-human transmission of viruses has been a major concern in recent years, with the emergence of the novel SARS-CoV-2 virus being the most prominent example. Now, a new study has shed light on the prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 in animals, highlighting the potential gap in understanding the full scope of the virus.
The study, published in the journal Science, found that out of over 18,000 animal samples tested, only 0.1% were positive for SARS-CoV-2. This suggests that the virus is not widespread among animals, and that transmission from animals to humans is likely very rare. However, the study also found that some animal populations have higher prevalence rates than others, indicating that it is important to continue surveillance of wild and domestic animals.
This new research highlights the need to further investigate the role of animals in the transmission of SARS-CoV-2, and to continue to monitor animal populations for the presence of the virus. By doing so, we can gain a better understanding of the virus and its spread, and take steps to reduce the risk of animal-to-human transmission.
source: Phys.org