Abstract
Despite fast-tracked research, the precise origin, transmission and evolution of COVID-19 are still unknown. While the bat genus Rhinolophus is likely the primary source of the zoonotic-origin pathogen SARS-CoV-2 that causes COVID-19, its transmission route into the human population is still being studied.[1,2] Coronaviruses (CoV) affect humans and various animal species. Bats were the original hosts of the CoV that causes Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS-CoV) and Middle East Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV), for example, with masked palm civet cats and dromedaries, respectively, the intermediate hosts of those two viruses. Research is ongoing regarding intermediate species for SARS-CoV-2, but one possibility is the large stray cat and dog population around the live animal market in Wuhan, China, where the pandemic is thought to have started.
Highlights
Despite fast-tracked research, the precise origin, transmission and evolution of COVID-19 are still unknown
Bats were the original hosts of the CoV that causes Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS-CoV) and Middle East Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV), for example, with masked palm civet cats and dromedaries, respectively, the intermediate hosts of those two viruses
After asymptomatic dogs were infected with SARS-CoV-2 following close contact with their infected owners in Hong Kong in March, 2020, the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) began requiring notification of domestic animals infected with SARS-CoV-2
Summary
Despite fast-tracked research, the precise origin, transmission and evolution of COVID-19 are still unknown. Research is ongoing regarding intermediate species for SARS-CoV-2, but one possibility is the large stray cat and dog population around the live animal market in Wuhan, China, where the pandemic is thought to have started. Explaining the epidemiological role of different species in COVID-19 transmission is fundamental for its prevention and control, since identifying possible viral reservoirs can limit future, unexpected outbreaks.
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