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Chan T, Ginders J, Kuhlmeier E, Meli ML, Bönzli E, Meili T, Hüttl J, Hatt JM, Hindenlang Clerc K, Kipar A, Wyss F, Wenker C, Ryser-Degiorgis MP, Valenzuela Agüí C, Urban C, Beisel C, Stadler T, Hofmann-Lehmann R. Detection of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in a Zoo-Kept Red Fox ( Vulpes vulpes). Viruses 2024; 16:521. [PMID: 38675864 PMCID: PMC11054100 DOI: 10.3390/v16040521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2024] [Revised: 03/21/2024] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Many different animal species are susceptible to SARS-CoV-2, including a few Canidae (domestic dog and raccoon dog). So far, only experimental evidence is available concerning SARS-CoV-2 infections in red foxes (Vulpes vulpes). This is the first report of SARS-CoV-2 RNA detection in a sample from a red fox. The RT-qPCR-positive fox was zoo-kept together with another fox and two bears in the Swiss Canton of Zurich. Combined material from a conjunctival and nasal swab collected for canine distemper virus diagnostics tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 RNA with Ct values of 36.9 (E gene assay) and 35.7 (RdRp gene assay). The sample was analysed for SARS-CoV-2 within a research project testing residual routine diagnostic samples from different animal species submitted between spring 2020 and December 2022 to improve knowledge on SARS-CoV-2 infections within different animal species and investigate their potential role in a One Health context. Within this project, 246 samples from 153 different animals from Swiss zoos and other wild animal species all tested SARS-CoV-2 RT-qPCR and/or serologically negative so far, except for the reported fox. The source of SARS-CoV-2 in the fox is unknown. The fox disappeared within the naturally structured enclosure, and the cadaver was not found. No further control measures were undertaken.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatjana Chan
- Clinical Laboratory, Department of Clinical Diagnostics and Services, and Center for Clinical Studies, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 260, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland; (T.C.); (J.G.); (E.K.); (M.L.M.); (J.H.)
| | - Julia Ginders
- Clinical Laboratory, Department of Clinical Diagnostics and Services, and Center for Clinical Studies, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 260, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland; (T.C.); (J.G.); (E.K.); (M.L.M.); (J.H.)
| | - Evelyn Kuhlmeier
- Clinical Laboratory, Department of Clinical Diagnostics and Services, and Center for Clinical Studies, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 260, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland; (T.C.); (J.G.); (E.K.); (M.L.M.); (J.H.)
| | - Marina L. Meli
- Clinical Laboratory, Department of Clinical Diagnostics and Services, and Center for Clinical Studies, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 260, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland; (T.C.); (J.G.); (E.K.); (M.L.M.); (J.H.)
| | - Eva Bönzli
- Clinical Laboratory, Department of Clinical Diagnostics and Services, and Center for Clinical Studies, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 260, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland; (T.C.); (J.G.); (E.K.); (M.L.M.); (J.H.)
| | - Theres Meili
- Clinical Laboratory, Department of Clinical Diagnostics and Services, and Center for Clinical Studies, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 260, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland; (T.C.); (J.G.); (E.K.); (M.L.M.); (J.H.)
| | - Julia Hüttl
- Clinical Laboratory, Department of Clinical Diagnostics and Services, and Center for Clinical Studies, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 260, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland; (T.C.); (J.G.); (E.K.); (M.L.M.); (J.H.)
| | - Jean-Michel Hatt
- Clinic for Zoo Animals, Exotic Pets and Wildlife, Department of Small Animals, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 260, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland;
| | | | - Anja Kipar
- Institute of Veterinary Pathology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 268, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland;
| | - Fabia Wyss
- Zoologischer Garten Basel AG, Binningerstrasse 40, 4054 Basel, Switzerland; (F.W.); (C.W.)
| | - Christian Wenker
- Zoologischer Garten Basel AG, Binningerstrasse 40, 4054 Basel, Switzerland; (F.W.); (C.W.)
| | | | - Cecilia Valenzuela Agüí
- Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering, ETH Zurich, Schanzenstrasse 44, Postfach, 4009 Basel, Switzerland; (C.V.A.); (C.B.); (T.S.)
- SIB Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Christian Urban
- Functional Genomics Center, ETH Zurich and University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland;
| | - Christian Beisel
- Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering, ETH Zurich, Schanzenstrasse 44, Postfach, 4009 Basel, Switzerland; (C.V.A.); (C.B.); (T.S.)
| | - Tanja Stadler
- Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering, ETH Zurich, Schanzenstrasse 44, Postfach, 4009 Basel, Switzerland; (C.V.A.); (C.B.); (T.S.)
- SIB Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Regina Hofmann-Lehmann
- Clinical Laboratory, Department of Clinical Diagnostics and Services, and Center for Clinical Studies, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 260, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland; (T.C.); (J.G.); (E.K.); (M.L.M.); (J.H.)
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Tavera Gonzales A, Bazalar Gonzales J, Silvestre Espejo T, Leiva Galarza M, Rodríguez Cueva C, Carhuaricra Huamán D, Luna Espinoza L, Maturrano Hernández A. Possible Spreading of SARS-CoV-2 from Humans to Captive Non-Human Primates in the Peruvian Amazon. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:732. [PMID: 38473117 DOI: 10.3390/ani14050732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2023] [Revised: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 02/03/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Human-to-animal transmission events of SARS-CoV-2 (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2) have been reported in both domestic and wild species worldwide. Despite the high rates of contagion and mortality during the COVID-19 (Coronavirus Diseases 2019) pandemic in Peru, no instances of natural virus infection have been documented in wild animals, particularly in the Amazonian regions where human-wildlife interactions are prevalent. In this study, we conducted a surveillance investigation using viral RNA sequencing of fecal samples collected from 76 captive and semi-captive non-human primates (NHPs) in the Loreto, Ucayali, and Madre de Dios regions between August 2022 and February 2023. We detected a segment of the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) gene of SARS-CoV-2 by metagenomic sequencing in a pooled fecal sample from captive white-fronted capuchins (Cebus unicolor) at a rescue center in Bello Horizonte, Ucayali. Phylogenetic analysis further confirmed that the retrieved partial sequence of the RdRp gene matched the SARS-CoV-2 genome. This study represents the first documented instance of molecular SARS-CoV-2 detection in NHPs in the Peruvian Amazon, underscoring the adverse impact of anthropic activities on the human-NHP interface and emphasizing the importance of ongoing surveillance for early detection and prediction of future emergence of new SARS-CoV-2 variants in animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Tavera Gonzales
- Research Group in Biotechnology Applied to Animal Health, Production and Conservation (SANIGEN), Laboratorio de Biología y Genética Molecular, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria, Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos, Lima 15021, Peru
| | - Jhonathan Bazalar Gonzales
- Research Group in Biotechnology Applied to Animal Health, Production and Conservation (SANIGEN), Laboratorio de Biología y Genética Molecular, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria, Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos, Lima 15021, Peru
- Asociación Equipo Primatológico del Perú, Iquitos 16008, Peru
| | - Thalía Silvestre Espejo
- Research Group in Biotechnology Applied to Animal Health, Production and Conservation (SANIGEN), Laboratorio de Biología y Genética Molecular, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria, Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos, Lima 15021, Peru
| | - Milagros Leiva Galarza
- Research Group in Biotechnology Applied to Animal Health, Production and Conservation (SANIGEN), Laboratorio de Biología y Genética Molecular, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria, Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos, Lima 15021, Peru
| | - Carmen Rodríguez Cueva
- Research Group in Biotechnology Applied to Animal Health, Production and Conservation (SANIGEN), Laboratorio de Biología y Genética Molecular, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria, Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos, Lima 15021, Peru
| | - Dennis Carhuaricra Huamán
- Research Group in Biotechnology Applied to Animal Health, Production and Conservation (SANIGEN), Laboratorio de Biología y Genética Molecular, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria, Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos, Lima 15021, Peru
- Programa de Pós-Graduação Interunidades em Bioinformática, Instituto de Matemática e Estatística, Universidade de São Paulo, Rua do Matão 1010, São Paulo 05508-090, Brazil
| | - Luis Luna Espinoza
- Research Group in Biotechnology Applied to Animal Health, Production and Conservation (SANIGEN), Laboratorio de Biología y Genética Molecular, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria, Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos, Lima 15021, Peru
| | - Abelardo Maturrano Hernández
- Research Group in Biotechnology Applied to Animal Health, Production and Conservation (SANIGEN), Laboratorio de Biología y Genética Molecular, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria, Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos, Lima 15021, Peru
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3
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Jahid MJ, Bowman AS, Nolting JM. SARS-CoV-2 Outbreaks on Mink Farms-A Review of Current Knowledge on Virus Infection, Spread, Spillover, and Containment. Viruses 2024; 16:81. [PMID: 38257781 PMCID: PMC10819236 DOI: 10.3390/v16010081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2023] [Revised: 12/29/2023] [Accepted: 12/31/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Many studies have been conducted to explore outbreaks of SARS-CoV-2 in farmed mink and their intra-/inter-species spread and spillover to provide data to the scientific community, protecting human and animal health. Studies report anthropozoonotic introduction, which was initially documented in April 2020 in the Netherlands, and subsequent inter-/intra-species spread of SARS-CoV-2 in farmed mink, likely due to SARS-CoV-2 host tropism capable of establishing efficient interactions with host ACE2 and the mink hosts' ability to enhance swift viral transmission due to their density, housing status, and occupational contacts. Despite the rigorous prevention and control measures adopted, transmission of the virus within and between animal species was efficient, resulting in the development of mink-associated strains able to jump back and forth among the mink hosts and other animal/human contacts. Current knowledge recognizes the mink as a highly susceptible animal host harboring the virus with or without clinical manifestations, furthering infection transmission as a hidden animal reservoir. A One Health approach is, thus, recommended in SARS-CoV-2 surveillance and monitoring on mink farms and of their susceptible contact animals to identify and better understand these potential animal hosts.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Jacqueline M. Nolting
- Department of Veterinary Preventive Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA; (M.J.J.); (A.S.B.)
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Musoles-Cuenca B, Aguiló-Gisbert J, Lorenzo-Bermejo T, Canales R, Ballester B, Romani-Cremaschi U, Martínez-Valverde R, Maiques E, Marteles D, Rueda P, Rubio V, Villanueva-Saz S, Rubio-Guerri C. Molecular and Serological Studies on Potential SARS-CoV-2 Infection among 43 Lemurs under Human Care-Evidence for Past Infection in at Least One Individual. Animals (Basel) 2023; 14:140. [PMID: 38200871 PMCID: PMC10778278 DOI: 10.3390/ani14010140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2023] [Revised: 12/24/2023] [Accepted: 12/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
In the setting of the recent COVID-19 pandemic, transmission of SARS-CoV-2 to animals has been reported in both domestic and wild animals and is a matter of concern. Given the genetic and functional similarities to humans, non-human primates merit particular attention. In the case of lemurs, generally considered endangered, they are believed to be susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 infection. We have conducted a study for evidence of SARS-CoV-2 infection among the 43 lemurs of Mundomar, a zoological park in Benidorm, Spain. They belong to two endangered lemur species, 23 black-and-white ruffed lemurs (Varecia variegata) and 20 ring-tailed lemurs (Lemur catta). Health assessments conducted in 2022 and 2023 included molecular analyses for SARS-CoV-2 RNA of oral and rectal swabs using two different RT-qPCR assays, always with negative results for SARS-CoV-2 in all animals. The assessment also included serological testing for antibodies against the receptor-binding domain (RBD) of the spike protein (S) of SARS-CoV-2, which again yielded negative results in all animals except one black-and-white ruffed lemur, supporting prior infection of that animal with SARS-CoV-2. Our data, while not indicating a high susceptibility of lemurs to SARS-CoV-2 infection, show that they can be infected, adding to the existing information body on potential ways for SARS-CoV-2 virus spreading in zoos, highlighting the need for animal surveillance for the virus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatriz Musoles-Cuenca
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universidad Cardenal Herrera-CEU, 46113 Valencia, Spain; (B.M.-C.); (T.L.-B.); (B.B.); (E.M.)
| | - Jordi Aguiló-Gisbert
- Servicio de Análisis, Investigación, Gestión de Animales Silvestres (SAIGAS), Veterinary Faculty, Universidad Cardenal Herrera-CEU, 46113 Valencia, Spain;
| | - Teresa Lorenzo-Bermejo
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universidad Cardenal Herrera-CEU, 46113 Valencia, Spain; (B.M.-C.); (T.L.-B.); (B.B.); (E.M.)
| | - Rocío Canales
- Veterinary Department, Mundomar Benidorm, 03503 Alicante, Spain; (R.C.); (U.R.-C.)
| | - Beatriz Ballester
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universidad Cardenal Herrera-CEU, 46113 Valencia, Spain; (B.M.-C.); (T.L.-B.); (B.B.); (E.M.)
| | | | | | - Elisa Maiques
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universidad Cardenal Herrera-CEU, 46113 Valencia, Spain; (B.M.-C.); (T.L.-B.); (B.B.); (E.M.)
| | - Diana Marteles
- Clinical Immunology Laboratory, Veterinary Faculty, University of Zaragoza, 50013 Zaragoza, Spain; (D.M.); (P.R.)
| | - Pablo Rueda
- Clinical Immunology Laboratory, Veterinary Faculty, University of Zaragoza, 50013 Zaragoza, Spain; (D.M.); (P.R.)
| | - Vicente Rubio
- Department of Genomics and Proteomics, Instituto de Biomedicina de Valencia del Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (IBV-CSIC), 46010 Valencia, Spain
- Group 739, IBV-CSIC, Centre for Biomedical Network Research, Instituto de Salud Carlos III (CIBERER-ISCIII), 46010 Valencia, Spain
| | - Sergio Villanueva-Saz
- Clinical Immunology Laboratory, Veterinary Faculty, University of Zaragoza, 50013 Zaragoza, Spain; (D.M.); (P.R.)
| | - Consuelo Rubio-Guerri
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universidad Cardenal Herrera-CEU, 46113 Valencia, Spain
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Kononova Y, Adamenko L, Kazachkova E, Solomatina M, Romanenko S, Proskuryakova A, Utkin Y, Gulyaeva M, Spirina A, Kazachinskaia E, Palyanova N, Mishchenko O, Chepurnov A, Shestopalov A. Features of SARS-CoV-2 Replication in Various Types of Reptilian and Fish Cell Cultures. Viruses 2023; 15:2350. [PMID: 38140591 PMCID: PMC10748073 DOI: 10.3390/v15122350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2023] [Revised: 11/24/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND SARS-CoV-2 can enter the environment from the feces of COVID-19 patients and virus carriers through untreated sewage. The virus has shown the ability to adapt to a wide range of hosts, so the question of the possible involvement of aquafauna and animals of coastal ecosystems in maintaining its circulation remains open. METHODS the aim of this work was to study the tropism of SARS-CoV-2 for cells of freshwater fish and reptiles, including those associated with aquatic and coastal ecosystems, and the effect of ambient temperature on this process. In a continuous cell culture FHM (fathead minnow) and diploid fibroblasts CGIB (silver carp), SARS-CoV-2 replication was not maintained at either 25 °C or 29 °C. At 29 °C, the continuous cell culture TH-1 (eastern box turtle) showed high susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2, comparable to Vero E6 (development of virus-induced cytopathic effect (CPE) and an infectious titer of 7.5 ± 0.17 log10 TCID50/mL on day 3 after infection), and primary fibroblasts CNI (Nile crocodile embryo) showed moderate susceptibility (no CPE, infectious titer 4.52 ± 0.14 log10 TCID50/mL on day 5 after infection). At 25 °C, SARS-CoV-2 infection did not develop in TH-1 and CNI. CONCLUSIONS our results show the ability of SARS-CoV-2 to effectively replicate without adaptation in the cells of certain reptile species when the ambient temperature rises.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yulia Kononova
- Federal Research Center of Fundamental and Translational Medicine, The Federal State Budget Scientific Institution, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 2, Timakova St., Novosibirsk 630117, Russia; (Y.K.); (L.A.); (E.K.); (M.S.); (A.S.); (E.K.); (N.P.); (A.C.); (A.S.)
| | - Lyubov Adamenko
- Federal Research Center of Fundamental and Translational Medicine, The Federal State Budget Scientific Institution, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 2, Timakova St., Novosibirsk 630117, Russia; (Y.K.); (L.A.); (E.K.); (M.S.); (A.S.); (E.K.); (N.P.); (A.C.); (A.S.)
| | - Evgeniya Kazachkova
- Federal Research Center of Fundamental and Translational Medicine, The Federal State Budget Scientific Institution, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 2, Timakova St., Novosibirsk 630117, Russia; (Y.K.); (L.A.); (E.K.); (M.S.); (A.S.); (E.K.); (N.P.); (A.C.); (A.S.)
| | - Mariya Solomatina
- Federal Research Center of Fundamental and Translational Medicine, The Federal State Budget Scientific Institution, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 2, Timakova St., Novosibirsk 630117, Russia; (Y.K.); (L.A.); (E.K.); (M.S.); (A.S.); (E.K.); (N.P.); (A.C.); (A.S.)
| | - Svetlana Romanenko
- Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Siberian Branch, Novosibirsk 630090, Russia; (S.R.); (A.P.); (Y.U.)
| | - Anastasia Proskuryakova
- Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Siberian Branch, Novosibirsk 630090, Russia; (S.R.); (A.P.); (Y.U.)
| | - Yaroslav Utkin
- Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Siberian Branch, Novosibirsk 630090, Russia; (S.R.); (A.P.); (Y.U.)
| | - Marina Gulyaeva
- Federal Research Center of Fundamental and Translational Medicine, The Federal State Budget Scientific Institution, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 2, Timakova St., Novosibirsk 630117, Russia; (Y.K.); (L.A.); (E.K.); (M.S.); (A.S.); (E.K.); (N.P.); (A.C.); (A.S.)
- The Department of Natural Science, Novosibirsk State University, 2, Pirogova St., Novosibirsk 630090, Russia
| | - Anastasia Spirina
- Federal Research Center of Fundamental and Translational Medicine, The Federal State Budget Scientific Institution, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 2, Timakova St., Novosibirsk 630117, Russia; (Y.K.); (L.A.); (E.K.); (M.S.); (A.S.); (E.K.); (N.P.); (A.C.); (A.S.)
| | - Elena Kazachinskaia
- Federal Research Center of Fundamental and Translational Medicine, The Federal State Budget Scientific Institution, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 2, Timakova St., Novosibirsk 630117, Russia; (Y.K.); (L.A.); (E.K.); (M.S.); (A.S.); (E.K.); (N.P.); (A.C.); (A.S.)
| | - Natalia Palyanova
- Federal Research Center of Fundamental and Translational Medicine, The Federal State Budget Scientific Institution, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 2, Timakova St., Novosibirsk 630117, Russia; (Y.K.); (L.A.); (E.K.); (M.S.); (A.S.); (E.K.); (N.P.); (A.C.); (A.S.)
| | - Oksana Mishchenko
- 48 Central Research Institute of the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation, Moscow 141306, Russia;
| | - Alexander Chepurnov
- Federal Research Center of Fundamental and Translational Medicine, The Federal State Budget Scientific Institution, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 2, Timakova St., Novosibirsk 630117, Russia; (Y.K.); (L.A.); (E.K.); (M.S.); (A.S.); (E.K.); (N.P.); (A.C.); (A.S.)
| | - Alexander Shestopalov
- Federal Research Center of Fundamental and Translational Medicine, The Federal State Budget Scientific Institution, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 2, Timakova St., Novosibirsk 630117, Russia; (Y.K.); (L.A.); (E.K.); (M.S.); (A.S.); (E.K.); (N.P.); (A.C.); (A.S.)
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6
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Ehrlich M, Madden C, McBride DS, Nolting JM, Huey D, Kenney S, Wang Q, Saif LJ, Vlasova A, Dennis P, Lombardi D, Gibson S, McLaine A, Lauterbach S, Yaxley P, Winston JA, Diaz-Campos D, Pesapane R, Flint M, Flint J, Junge R, Faith SA, Bowman AS, Hale VL. Lack of SARS-CoV-2 Viral RNA Detection among a Convenience Sampling of Ohio Wildlife, Companion, and Agricultural Animals, 2020-2021. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:2554. [PMID: 37627345 PMCID: PMC10451347 DOI: 10.3390/ani13162554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2023] [Revised: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 08/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) emerged in humans in late 2019 and spread rapidly, becoming a global pandemic. A zoonotic spillover event from animal to human was identified as the presumed origin. Subsequently, reports began emerging regarding spillback events resulting in SARS-CoV-2 infections in multiple animal species. These events highlighted critical links between animal and human health while also raising concerns about the development of new reservoir hosts and potential viral mutations that could alter the virulence and transmission or evade immune responses. Characterizing susceptibility, prevalence, and transmission between animal species became a priority to help protect animal and human health. In this study, we coalesced a large team of investigators and community partners to surveil for SARS-CoV-2 in domestic and free-ranging animals around Ohio between May 2020 and August 2021. We focused on species with known or predicted susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 infection, highly congregated or medically compromised animals (e.g., shelters, barns, veterinary hospitals), and animals that had frequent contact with humans (e.g., pets, agricultural animals, zoo animals, or animals in wildlife hospitals). This included free-ranging deer (n = 76 individuals), free-ranging mink (n = 57), multiple species of bats (n = 59), and other wildlife in addition to domestic cats (n = 275) and pigs (n = 184). In total, we tested 792 individual animals (34 species) via rRT-PCR for SARS-CoV-2 RNA. SARS-CoV-2 viral RNA was not detected in any of the tested animals despite a major peak in human SARS-CoV-2 cases that occurred in Ohio subsequent to the peak of animal samplings. Importantly, we did not test for SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in this study, which limited our ability to assess exposure. While the results of this study were negative, the surveillance effort was critical and remains key to understanding, predicting, and preventing the re-emergence of SARS-CoV-2 in humans or animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margot Ehrlich
- College of Veterinary Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Christopher Madden
- Veterinary Preventive Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA (A.V.)
| | - Dillon S. McBride
- Veterinary Preventive Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA (A.V.)
| | - Jacqueline M. Nolting
- Veterinary Preventive Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA (A.V.)
| | - Devra Huey
- Veterinary Preventive Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA (A.V.)
| | - Scott Kenney
- Veterinary Preventive Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA (A.V.)
- Center for Food Animal Health, Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center, College of Food, Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, The Ohio State University, Wooster, OH 44691, USA
| | - Qiuhong Wang
- Veterinary Preventive Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA (A.V.)
- Center for Food Animal Health, Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center, College of Food, Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, The Ohio State University, Wooster, OH 44691, USA
| | - Linda J. Saif
- Veterinary Preventive Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA (A.V.)
- Center for Food Animal Health, Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center, College of Food, Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, The Ohio State University, Wooster, OH 44691, USA
| | - Anastasia Vlasova
- Veterinary Preventive Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA (A.V.)
- Center for Food Animal Health, Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center, College of Food, Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, The Ohio State University, Wooster, OH 44691, USA
| | - Patricia Dennis
- Veterinary Preventive Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA (A.V.)
- Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, Cleveland, OH 44109, USA
- Cleveland Metroparks, Cleveland, OH 44144, USA
| | | | | | - Alexis McLaine
- Veterinary Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Sarah Lauterbach
- Veterinary Preventive Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA (A.V.)
| | - Page Yaxley
- Veterinary Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Jenessa A. Winston
- Veterinary Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
- Center of Microbiome Science, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Dubraska Diaz-Campos
- Veterinary Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Risa Pesapane
- Veterinary Preventive Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA (A.V.)
- School of Environment and Natural Resources, College of Food, Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Mark Flint
- Veterinary Preventive Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA (A.V.)
| | - Jaylene Flint
- Veterinary Preventive Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA (A.V.)
| | - Randy Junge
- Columbus Zoo & Aquarium, Powell, OH 43065, USA
| | - Seth A. Faith
- Center of Microbiome Science, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
- Infectious Diseases Institute, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Andrew S. Bowman
- Veterinary Preventive Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA (A.V.)
| | - Vanessa L. Hale
- Veterinary Preventive Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA (A.V.)
- Center of Microbiome Science, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
- Infectious Diseases Institute, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
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7
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Italiya J, Bhavsar T, Černý J. Assessment and strategy development for SARS-CoV-2 screening in wildlife: A review. Vet World 2023; 16:1193-1200. [PMID: 37577208 PMCID: PMC10421538 DOI: 10.14202/vetworld.2023.1193-1200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 05/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Coronaviruses (members of the Coronaviridae family) are prominent in veterinary medicine, with several known infectious agents commonly reported. In contrast, human medicine has disregarded coronaviruses for an extended period. Within the past two decades, coronaviruses have caused three major outbreaks. One such outbreak was the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by the coronavirus severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2). Over the 3-year COVID-19 outbreak, several instances of zooanthroponosis have been documented, which pose risks for virus modifications and possible re-emergence of the virus into the human population, causing a new epidemic and possible threats for vaccination or treatment failure. Therefore, widespread screening of animals is an essential technique for mitigating future risks and repercussions. However, mass detection of SARS-CoV-2 in wild animals might be challenging. In silico prediction modeling, experimental studies conducted on various animal species, and natural infection episodes recorded in various species might provide information on the potential threats to wildlife. They may be useful for diagnostic and mass screening purposes. In this review, the possible methods of wildlife screening, based on experimental data and environmental elements that might play a crucial role in its effective implementation, are reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jignesh Italiya
- Centre for Infectious Animal Diseases, Faculty of Tropical Agrisciences, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Kamýcká 129, 165 00 Prague – Suchdol, Czechia
| | - Tanvi Bhavsar
- Animal Physiology Division, ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, Haryana, India
| | - Jiří Černý
- Centre for Infectious Animal Diseases, Faculty of Tropical Agrisciences, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Kamýcká 129, 165 00 Prague – Suchdol, Czechia
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8
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Joffrin L, Cooreman T, Verheyen E, Vercammen F, Mariën J, Leirs H, Gryseels S. SARS-CoV-2 Surveillance between 2020 and 2021 of All Mammalian Species in Two Flemish Zoos (Antwerp Zoo and Planckendael Zoo). Vet Sci 2023; 10:382. [PMID: 37368768 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci10060382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2023] [Revised: 05/18/2023] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has led to millions of human infections and deaths worldwide. Several other mammal species are also susceptible to SARS-CoV-2, and multiple instances of transmission from humans to pets, farmed mink, wildlife and zoo animals have been recorded. We conducted a systematic surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 in all mammal species in two zoos in Belgium between September and December 2020 and July 2021, in four sessions, and a targeted surveillance of selected mammal enclosures following SARS-CoV-2 infection in hippopotamuses in December 2021. A total of 1523 faecal samples from 103 mammal species were tested for SARS-CoV-2 via real-time PCR. None of the samples tested positive for SARS-CoV-2. Additional surrogate virus neutralisation tests conducted on 50 routinely collected serum samples from 26 mammal species were all negative. This study is the first to our knowledge to conduct active SARS-CoV-2 surveillance for several months in all mammal species of a zoo. We conclude that at the time of our investigation, none of the screened animals were excreting SARS-CoV-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Léa Joffrin
- Evolutionary Ecology Group, Department of Biology, University of Antwerp, 2610 Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Tine Cooreman
- Evolutionary Ecology Group, Department of Biology, University of Antwerp, 2610 Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Erik Verheyen
- Evolutionary Ecology Group, Department of Biology, University of Antwerp, 2610 Antwerp, Belgium
- OD Taxonomy and Phylogeny, Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences, 1000 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Francis Vercammen
- Centre for Research and Conservation, Antwerp Zoo Society, 2018 Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Joachim Mariën
- Evolutionary Ecology Group, Department of Biology, University of Antwerp, 2610 Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Herwig Leirs
- Evolutionary Ecology Group, Department of Biology, University of Antwerp, 2610 Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Sophie Gryseels
- Evolutionary Ecology Group, Department of Biology, University of Antwerp, 2610 Antwerp, Belgium
- OD Taxonomy and Phylogeny, Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences, 1000 Brussels, Belgium
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9
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Human ELISA Detects anti-SARS-CoV-2 Antibodies in Cats: Seroprevalence and Risk Factors for Virus Spread in Domestic and Stray Cats in Bulgaria. Vet Sci 2023; 10:vetsci10010042. [PMID: 36669043 PMCID: PMC9861929 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci10010042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2022] [Revised: 01/03/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to verify whether the human DR-ELISA for the detection of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies can be applied in cats, and to assess the risk factors that determine the spread of the virus among the cat population in Bulgaria. The study included 92 serum samples collected from 68 domestic and 24 stray cats aged from 3 months to 20 years of age in the period of January-June 2021. The samples originated from three regions in Bulgaria and from three places of inhabitance. DR-ELISA based on peroxidase-labeled SARS-CoV-2 N protein was employed to detect IgA, IgG and IgM antibodies in the samples. Subsequently, the results were compared with a commercially available multi-species ELISA kit. There was high seroprevalence (83.33%) in stray cats and 41.18% in domestic cats, confirmed by the human and veterinary ELISA kit. The positive cases in the regional cities were 42.86%, in small towns 50% and in villages 78.26%. Cats under 7 years had a five times higher risk than those over 7 years (p = 0.001). The risk was seven times higher for stray cats than for domestic cats (p = 0.001). In addition, the results indicate that the risk was the highest for cats in villages (p = 0.006) compared to cats in other places of inhabitance. This study demonstrates that human DR-ELISA may be successfully applied to monitor the circulation of SARS-CoV-2 in cats and other susceptible species. Cats might serve as sentinel animals for tracking the virus in nature and in inhabited areas (strays) and to discover asymptomatic cases in humans/owners.
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Pappas G, Vokou D, Sainis I, Halley JM. SARS-CoV-2 as a Zooanthroponotic Infection: Spillbacks, Secondary Spillovers, and Their Importance. Microorganisms 2022; 10:2166. [PMID: 36363758 PMCID: PMC9696655 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10112166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2022] [Revised: 10/26/2022] [Accepted: 10/28/2022] [Indexed: 10/06/2023] Open
Abstract
In the midst of a persistent pandemic of a probable zoonotic origin, one needs to constantly evaluate the interplay of SARS-CoV-2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome-related coronavirus-2) with animal populations. Animals can get infected from humans, and certain species, including mink and white-tailed deer, exhibit considerable animal-to-animal transmission resulting in potential endemicity, mutation pressure, and possible secondary spillover to humans. We attempt a comprehensive review of the available data on animal species infected by SARS-CoV-2, as presented in the scientific literature and official reports of relevant organizations. We further evaluate the lessons humans should learn from mink outbreaks, white-tailed deer endemicity, zoo outbreaks, the threat for certain species conservation, the possible implication of rodents in the evolution of novel variants such as Omicron, and the potential role of pets as animal reservoirs of the virus. Finally, we outline the need for a broader approach to the pandemic and epidemics, in general, incorporating the principles of One Health and Planetary Health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georgios Pappas
- Institute of Continuing Medical Education of Ioannina, 45333 Ioannina, Greece
| | - Despoina Vokou
- Department of Ecology, School of Biology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Ioannis Sainis
- Medical School, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, 45110 Ioannina, Greece
| | - John M. Halley
- Laboratory of Ecology, Department of Biological Applications and Technology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, 45110 Ioannina, Greece
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11
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Francisco R, Hernandez SM, Mead DG, Adcock KG, Burke SC, Nemeth NM, Yabsley MJ. Experimental Susceptibility of North American Raccoons ( Procyon lotor) and Striped Skunks ( Mephitis mephitis) to SARS-CoV-2. Front Vet Sci 2022; 8:715307. [PMID: 35097038 PMCID: PMC8790025 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2021.715307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent spillback events of SARS-CoV-2 from humans to animals has raised concerns about it becoming endemic in wildlife. A sylvatic cycle of SARS-CoV-2 could present multiple opportunities for repeated spillback into human populations and other susceptible wildlife. Based on their taxonomy and natural history, two native North American wildlife species -the striped skunk (Mephitis mephitis) and the raccoon (Procyon lotor) -represent a high likelihood of susceptibility and ecological opportunity of becoming infected with SARS-CoV-2. Eight skunks and raccoons were each intranasally inoculated with one of two doses of the virus (103 PFU and 105 PFU) and housed in pairs. To evaluate direct transmission, a naïve animal was added to each inoculated pair 48 h post-inoculation. Four control animals of each species were handled like the experimental groups. At predetermined intervals, we collected nasal and rectal swabs to quantify virus shed via virus isolation and detect viral RNA via rRT-PCR and blood for serum neutralization. Lastly, animals were euthanized at staggered intervals to describe disease progression through histopathology and immunohistochemistry. No animals developed clinical disease. All intranasally inoculated animals seroconverted, suggesting both species are susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 infection. The highest titers in skunks and raccoons were 1:128 and 1:64, respectively. Low quantities of virus were isolated from 2/8 inoculated skunks for up to day 5 post-inoculation, however no virus was isolated from inoculated raccoons or direct contacts of either species. Neither species had gross lesions, but recovering mild chronic pneumonia consistent with viral insult was recorded histologically in 5/8 inoculated skunks. Unlike another SARS-CoV-2 infection trial in these species, we detected neutralizing antibodies in inoculated raccoons; thus, future wildlife serologic surveillance results must be interpreted with caution. Due to the inability to isolate virus from raccoons, the lack of evidence of direct transmission between both species, and low amount of virus shed by skunks, it seems unlikely for SARS-CoV-2 to become established in raccoon and skunk populations and for virus to spillback into humans. Continued outbreaks in non-domestic species, wild and captive, highlight that additional research on the susceptibility of SARS-CoV-2 in wildlife, especially musteloidea, and of conservation concern, is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raquel Francisco
- Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States
- Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study, Department of Population Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States
| | - Sonia M. Hernandez
- Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States
- Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study, Department of Population Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States
| | - Daniel G. Mead
- Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study, Department of Population Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States
| | - Kayla G. Adcock
- Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study, Department of Population Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States
| | - Sydney C. Burke
- Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States
- Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study, Department of Population Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States
| | - Nicole M. Nemeth
- Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study, Department of Population Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States
- Department of Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States
| | - Michael J. Yabsley
- Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States
- Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study, Department of Population Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States
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12
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Hale VL, Dennis PM, McBride DS, Nolting JM, Madden C, Huey D, Ehrlich M, Grieser J, Winston J, Lombardi D, Gibson S, Saif L, Killian ML, Lantz K, Tell R, Torchetti M, Robbe-Austerman S, Nelson MI, Faith SA, Bowman AS. SARS-CoV-2 infection in free-ranging white-tailed deer ( Odocoileus virginianus ). BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2021:2021.11.04.467308. [PMID: 34790982 PMCID: PMC8597885 DOI: 10.1101/2021.11.04.467308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Human-to-animal spillover of SARS-CoV-2 virus has occurred in a wide range of animals, but thus far, the establishment of a new natural animal reservoir has not been detected. Here, we detected SARS-CoV-2 virus using rRT-PCR in 129 out of 360 (35.8%) free-ranging white-tailed deer ( Odocoileus virginianus ) from northeast Ohio (USA) sampled between January-March 2021. Deer in 6 locations were infected with at least 3 lineages of SARS-CoV-2 (B.1.2, B.1.596, B.1.582). The B.1.2 viruses, dominant in Ohio at the time, spilled over multiple times into deer populations in different locations. Deer-to-deer transmission may have occurred in three locations. The establishment of a natural reservoir of SARS-CoV-2 in white-tailed deer could facilitate divergent evolutionary trajectories and future spillback to humans, further complicating long-term COVID-19 control strategies. ONE-SENTENCE SUMMARY A significant proportion of SARS-CoV-2 infection in free-ranging US white-tailed deer reveals a potential new reservoir.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanessa L. Hale
- Veterinary Preventive Medicine, The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine; Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| | - Patricia M. Dennis
- Veterinary Preventive Medicine, The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine; Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
- Cleveland Metroparks Zoo; Cleveland, OH, 44109, USA
| | - Dillon S. McBride
- Veterinary Preventive Medicine, The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine; Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| | - Jaqueline M. Nolting
- Veterinary Preventive Medicine, The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine; Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| | - Christopher Madden
- Veterinary Preventive Medicine, The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine; Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| | - Devra Huey
- Veterinary Preventive Medicine, The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine; Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| | - Margot Ehrlich
- The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine; Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| | | | - Jenessa Winston
- Veterinary Clinical Sciences, The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine; Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| | | | | | - Linda Saif
- Veterinary Preventive Medicine, The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine; Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
- Center for Food Animal Health, The Ohio State University College of Food, Agriculture, and Environmental Sciences; Wooster, OH, 44691, USA
| | - Mary L. Killian
- National Veterinary Services Laboratories, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, United States Department of Agriculture; Ames, IA, 50010, USA
| | - Kristina Lantz
- National Veterinary Services Laboratories, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, United States Department of Agriculture; Ames, IA, 50010, USA
| | - Rachel Tell
- National Veterinary Services Laboratories, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, United States Department of Agriculture; Ames, IA, 50010, USA
| | - Mia Torchetti
- National Veterinary Services Laboratories, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, United States Department of Agriculture; Ames, IA, 50010, USA
| | - Suelee Robbe-Austerman
- National Veterinary Services Laboratories, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, United States Department of Agriculture; Ames, IA, 50010, USA
| | - Martha I. Nelson
- Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health; Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Seth A. Faith
- Infectious Diseases Institute, The Ohio State University; Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| | - Andrew S. Bowman
- Veterinary Preventive Medicine, The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine; Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
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13
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Polo D, Lois M, Fernández-Núñez MT, Romalde JL. Detection of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in bivalve mollusks and marine sediments. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 786:147534. [PMID: 33984699 PMCID: PMC8099584 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.147534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Revised: 04/28/2021] [Accepted: 05/01/2021] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
The presence of SARS-CoV-2 in wastewater pose the question of whether this new pandemic virus could be released into watercourses and potentially continue to finally reach coastal waters. In this study, we employed two bivalve molluscan species from the genus Ruditapes as sentinel organisms to investigate the presence of SARS-CoV-2 signals in the marine coastal environment. Estuarine sediments from the natural clam banks were also analyzed. Viral RNA was detected by RT-qPCR, targeting IP4, E and N1 genomic regions. Positive samples were also subjected to a PMAxx-triton viability RT-qPCR assay in order to discriminate between intact and altered capsids, obtaining indirect information about the viability of the virus. SARS-CoV-2 RNA traces were detected in 9/12 clam samples by RT-qPCR, from which 4 were positive for two different target regions. Viral quantification ranged from <LoQ to 4.48 Log genomic copies/g of digestive tissue. Regarding the sediment samples, 3/12 were positive by RT-qPCR, but only IP4 region was successfully amplificated. Quantification values for sediment samples ranged from <LoQ to 3.60 Log genomic copies/g of sediment. RNA signals disappeared in the PMAxx-triton viability RT-qPCR assay, indicating non-infectious potential. In addition, the recently discovered human-specific gut associated bacteriophage crAssphage was also quantified as a biomarker for the presence of human-derived wastewater contamination on the study area. CrAssphage was detected in 100% of both types of samples with quantification values ranging from <LoQ to 5.94 Log gc/g digestive tissue and from <LoQ to 4.71 Log gc/g sediment. Statistical analysis also showed that quantification levels for the crAssphage in clams are significantly higher than in sediments. These findings represent the first detection of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in the marine environment, demonstrating that it can reach these habitats and make contact with the marine life.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Polo
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, CIBUS-Facultade de Bioloxía & Institute CRETUS, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain.
| | - Marta Lois
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, CIBUS-Facultade de Bioloxía & Institute CRETUS, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | | | - Jesús L Romalde
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, CIBUS-Facultade de Bioloxía & Institute CRETUS, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain.
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14
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Maurin M, Fenollar F, Mediannikov O, Davoust B, Devaux C, Raoult D. Current Status of Putative Animal Sources of SARS-CoV-2 Infection in Humans: Wildlife, Domestic Animals and Pets. Microorganisms 2021; 9:868. [PMID: 33920724 PMCID: PMC8072559 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9040868] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2021] [Revised: 04/11/2021] [Accepted: 04/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 is currently considered to have emerged from a bat coronavirus reservoir. However, the real natural cycle of this virus remains to be elucidated. Moreover, the COVID-19 pandemic has led to novel opportunities for SARS-CoV-2 transmission between humans and susceptible animal species. In silico and in vitro evaluation of the interactions between the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein and eucaryotic angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor have tentatively predicted susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 infection of several animal species. Although useful, these data do not always correlate with in vivo data obtained in experimental models or during natural infections. Other host biological properties may intervene such as the body temperature, level of receptor expression, co-receptor, restriction factors, and genetic background. The spread of SARS-CoV-2 also depends on the extent and duration of viral shedding in the infected host as well as population density and behaviour (group living and grooming). Overall, current data indicate that the most at-risk interactions between humans and animals for COVID-19 infection are those involving certain mustelids (such as minks and ferrets), rodents (such as hamsters), lagomorphs (especially rabbits), and felines (including cats). Therefore, special attention should be paid to the risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection associated with pets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Max Maurin
- University Grenoble Alpes, CNRS, Grenoble INP, CHU Grenoble Alpes, TIMC-IMAG, 38000 Grenoble, France;
| | - Florence Fenollar
- IHU-Méditerranée Infection, 13005 Marseille, France; (F.F.); (O.M.); (B.D.); (C.D.)
- IRD, AP-HM, SSA, VITROME, Aix Marseille University, 13005 Marseille, France
| | - Oleg Mediannikov
- IHU-Méditerranée Infection, 13005 Marseille, France; (F.F.); (O.M.); (B.D.); (C.D.)
- IRD, AP-HM, MEPHI, Aix Marseille University, 13005 Marseille, France
| | - Bernard Davoust
- IHU-Méditerranée Infection, 13005 Marseille, France; (F.F.); (O.M.); (B.D.); (C.D.)
- IRD, AP-HM, MEPHI, Aix Marseille University, 13005 Marseille, France
| | - Christian Devaux
- IHU-Méditerranée Infection, 13005 Marseille, France; (F.F.); (O.M.); (B.D.); (C.D.)
- IRD, AP-HM, MEPHI, Aix Marseille University, 13005 Marseille, France
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, 13005 Marseille, France
| | - Didier Raoult
- IHU-Méditerranée Infection, 13005 Marseille, France; (F.F.); (O.M.); (B.D.); (C.D.)
- IRD, AP-HM, MEPHI, Aix Marseille University, 13005 Marseille, France
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15
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Delahay RJ, de la Fuente J, Smith GC, Sharun K, Snary EL, Flores Girón L, Nziza J, Fooks AR, Brookes SM, Lean FZX, Breed AC, Gortazar C. Assessing the risks of SARS-CoV-2 in wildlife. ONE HEALTH OUTLOOK 2021; 3:7. [PMID: 33834160 PMCID: PMC8024038 DOI: 10.1186/s42522-021-00039-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2020] [Accepted: 03/29/2021] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
The novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 likely emerged from a wildlife source with transmission to humans followed by rapid geographic spread throughout the globe and severe impacts on both human health and the global economy. Since the onset of the pandemic, there have been many instances of human-to-animal transmission involving companion, farmed and zoo animals, and limited evidence for spread into free-living wildlife. The establishment of reservoirs of infection in wild animals would create significant challenges to infection control in humans and could pose a threat to the welfare and conservation status of wildlife. We discuss the potential for exposure, onward transmission and persistence of SARS-CoV-2 in an initial selection of wild mammals (bats, canids, felids, mustelids, great apes, rodents and cervids). Dynamic risk assessment and targeted surveillance are important tools for the early detection of infection in wildlife, and here we describe a framework for collating and synthesising emerging information to inform targeted surveillance for SARS-CoV-2 in wildlife. Surveillance efforts should be integrated with information from public and veterinary health initiatives to provide insights into the potential role of wild mammals in the epidemiology of SARS-CoV-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- R. J. Delahay
- National Wildlife Management Centre, Animal and Plant Health Agency, Sand Hutton, York, YO41 1LZ UK
| | - J. de la Fuente
- SaBio, Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos IREC-CSIC-UCLM-JCCM, Ronda de Toledo s/n, 13005 Ciudad Real, Spain
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, Center for Veterinary Health Sciences, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK 74078 USA
| | - G. C. Smith
- National Wildlife Management Centre, Animal and Plant Health Agency, Sand Hutton, York, YO41 1LZ UK
| | - K. Sharun
- ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh India
| | - E. L. Snary
- Department of Epidemiological Sciences, Animal and Plant Health Agency, Weybridge, Woodham Lane, New Haw, Addlestone, Surrey KT15 3NB UK
| | - L. Flores Girón
- Centre de Rehabilitation des Primates de Lwiro, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo
| | - J. Nziza
- Gorilla Doctors Inc., P.O. Box 115, Musanze, Rwanda
| | - A. R. Fooks
- Virology Department, Animal and Plant Health Agency, Weybridge, Woodham Lane, New Haw, Addlestone, Surrey KT15 3NB UK
| | - S. M. Brookes
- Virology Department, Animal and Plant Health Agency, Weybridge, Woodham Lane, New Haw, Addlestone, Surrey KT15 3NB UK
| | - F. Z. X. Lean
- Pathology Department, Animal and Plant Health Agency, Weybridge, Woodham Lane, New Haw, Addlestone, Surrey KT15 3NB UK
| | - A. C. Breed
- School of Veterinary Science, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland Australia
- Epidemiology and One Health Section, Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment, Canberra, Australia
| | - C. Gortazar
- SaBio, Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos IREC-CSIC-UCLM-JCCM, Ronda de Toledo s/n, 13005 Ciudad Real, Spain
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