CoVID-19 Virus Widespread In Wildlife

A concerning news report in Science Daily reported that Covid-19-causing viruses are widely spreading among wildlife.
COVID-19-causing viruses, specifically SARS-CoV-2, are widely spreading among wildlife, raising significant concerns for both animal and human health. Initially, the virus was predominantly associated with human populations; however, mounting evidence indicates that various wildlife species are susceptible to infection. This cross-species transmission can occur directly through contact with infected humans or their environments. The spread of the virus in wildlife reservoirs not only poses a threat to biodiversity but also creates potential long-term challenges for controlling the pandemic. Infected wildlife could serve as a continuous source of viral transmission, complicating efforts to eradicate the virus and increasing the risk of new variants emerging. The situation underscores the need for comprehensive surveillance and preventive measures in wildlife populations to mitigate these risks and protect both ecological and public health.
According to the report, “Six out of 23 common wildlife species showed signs of SARS-CoV-2 infections in an examination of animals in Virginia, as revealed by tracking the virus’s genetic code”. The full article may be found with the title “Virus that causes COVID-19 is widespread in wildlife, scientists find”