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Lee LKF, Himsworth CG, Prystajecky N, Dibernardo A, Lindsay LR, Albers TM, Dhawan R, Henderson K, Mulder G, Atwal HK, Beattie I, Wobeser BK, Parsons MH, Byers KA. SARS-CoV-2 Surveillance of Wild Mice and Rats in North American Cities. ECOHEALTH 2024; 21:1-8. [PMID: 38748281 DOI: 10.1007/s10393-024-01679-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2023] [Revised: 03/07/2024] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024]
Abstract
From July 2020 to June 2021, 248 wild house mice (Mus musculus), deer mice (Peromyscus maniculatus), brown rats (Rattus norvegicus), and black rats (Rattus rattus) from Texas and Washington, USA, and British Columbia, Canada, were tested for SARS-CoV-2 exposure and infection. Two brown rats and 11 house mice were positive for neutralizing antibodies using a surrogate virus neutralization test, but negative or indeterminate with the Multiplexed Fluorometric ImmunoAssay COVID-Plex, which targets full-length spike and nuclear proteins. Oro-nasopharyngeal swabs and fecal samples tested negative by RT-qPCR, with an indeterminate fecal sample in one house mouse. Continued surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 in wild rodents is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa K F Lee
- Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative British Columbia, Abbotsford, BC, Canada.
- Department of Veterinary Pathology, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, 52 Campus Dr, Saskatoon, SK, S7N 5B4, Canada.
| | - Chelsea G Himsworth
- Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative British Columbia, Abbotsford, BC, Canada
- School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Natalie Prystajecky
- British Columbia Centre for Disease Control, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Antonia Dibernardo
- Zoonotic Diseases and Special Pathogens, National Microbiology Laboratory, Public Health Agency of Canada, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - L Robbin Lindsay
- Zoonotic Diseases and Special Pathogens, National Microbiology Laboratory, Public Health Agency of Canada, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Theresa M Albers
- Research Models and Services, Charles River, Wilmington, MA, USA
| | - Rajeev Dhawan
- Research Models and Services, Charles River, Wilmington, MA, USA
| | - Ken Henderson
- Research Models and Services, Charles River, Wilmington, MA, USA
| | - Guy Mulder
- Research Models and Services, Charles River, Wilmington, MA, USA
| | - Harveen K Atwal
- Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative British Columbia, Abbotsford, BC, Canada
| | - Imara Beattie
- Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative British Columbia, Abbotsford, BC, Canada
- Department of Veterinary Pathology, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, 52 Campus Dr, Saskatoon, SK, S7N 5B4, Canada
| | - Bruce K Wobeser
- Department of Veterinary Pathology, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, 52 Campus Dr, Saskatoon, SK, S7N 5B4, Canada
| | - Michael H Parsons
- Department of Biological Sciences, Fordham University, Bronx, NY, USA
- Centre for Urban Ecological Solutions, LLC, Spring, TX, USA
| | - Kaylee A Byers
- Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative British Columbia, Abbotsford, BC, Canada
- Pacific Institute On Pathogens, Pandemics and Society, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada
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2
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Carossino M, Izadmehr S, Trujillo JD, Gaudreault NN, Dittmar W, Morozov I, Balasuriya UBR, Cordon-Cardo C, García-Sastre A, Richt JA. ACE2 and TMPRSS2 distribution in the respiratory tract of different animal species and its correlation with SARS-CoV-2 tissue tropism. Microbiol Spectr 2024; 12:e0327023. [PMID: 38230954 PMCID: PMC10846196 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.03270-23] [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: 09/07/2023] [Accepted: 12/08/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2024] Open
Abstract
A wide range of animal species show variable susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2; however, host factors associated with varied susceptibility remain to be defined. Here, we examined whether susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 and virus tropism in different animal species are dependent on the expression and distribution of the virus receptor angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) and the host cell factor transmembrane serine protease 2 (TMPRSS2). We cataloged the upper and lower respiratory tract of multiple animal species and humans in a tissue-specific manner and quantitatively evaluated the distribution and abundance of ACE2 and TMPRSS2 mRNA in situ. Our results show that: (i) ACE2 and TMPRSS2 mRNA are abundant in the conduction portion of the respiratory tract, (ii) ACE2 mRNA occurs at a lower abundance compared to TMPRSS2 mRNA, (iii) co-expression of ACE2-TMPRSS2 mRNAs is highest in those species with the highest susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 infection (i.e., cats, Syrian hamsters, and white-tailed deer), and (iv) expression of ACE2 and TMPRSS2 mRNA was not altered following SARS-CoV-2 infection. Our results demonstrate that while specific regions of the respiratory tract are enriched in ACE2 and TMPRSS2 mRNAs in different animal species, this is only a partial determinant of susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 infection.IMPORTANCESARS-CoV-2 infects a wide array of domestic and wild animals, raising concerns regarding its evolutionary dynamics in animals and potential for spillback transmission of emerging variants to humans. Hence, SARS-CoV-2 infection in animals has significant public health relevance. Host factors determining animal susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 are vastly unknown, and their characterization is critical to further understand susceptibility and viral dynamics in animal populations and anticipate potential spillback transmission. Here, we quantitatively assessed the distribution and abundance of the two most important host factors, angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 and transmembrane serine protease 2, in the respiratory tract of various animal species and humans. Our results demonstrate that while specific regions of the respiratory tract are enriched in these two host factors, they are only partial determinants of susceptibility. Detailed analysis of additional host factors is critical for our understanding of the underlying mechanisms governing viral susceptibility and reservoir hosts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariano Carossino
- Department of Pathobiological Sciences and Louisiana Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory, School of Veterinary Medicine, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA
| | - Sudeh Izadmehr
- Department of Pathology, Molecular, and Cell-Based Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
- The Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Jessie D. Trujillo
- Department of Diagnostic Medicine/Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas, USA
| | - Natasha N. Gaudreault
- Department of Diagnostic Medicine/Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas, USA
| | - Wellesley Dittmar
- Department of Pathobiological Sciences and Louisiana Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory, School of Veterinary Medicine, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA
| | - Igor Morozov
- Department of Diagnostic Medicine/Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas, USA
| | - Udeni B. R. Balasuriya
- Department of Pathobiological Sciences and Louisiana Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory, School of Veterinary Medicine, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA
| | - Carlos Cordon-Cardo
- Department of Pathology, Molecular, and Cell-Based Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Adolfo García-Sastre
- Department of Pathology, Molecular, and Cell-Based Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
- The Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
- Department of Microbiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
- Global Health and Emerging Pathogens Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Juergen A. Richt
- Department of Diagnostic Medicine/Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas, USA
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3
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Martínez-Hernández F, Gonzalez-Arenas NR, Cervantes JAO, Villalobos G, Olivo-Diaz A, Rendon-Franco E, Maravilla P, Valdovinos MR, Muñoz-Garcia CI. Identification of SARS-CoV-2 in urban rodents from Southern Mexico City at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. Rev Inst Med Trop Sao Paulo 2024; 66:e8. [PMID: 38324874 PMCID: PMC10846537 DOI: 10.1590/s1678-9946202466008] [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: 10/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/08/2023] [Indexed: 02/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Currently, there are some concerns about the situation and, in particular, about the future of the COVID-19 pandemic and the new emerging variants of SARS-CoV-2. Rodents are an example of synanthropic animals in urban environments that harbor important zoonoses. Although the molecular identification of SARS-CoV-2 in Rattus norvegicus from New York City had been reported, in other studies, urban wild rodents infected with this virus have not been found. This study aimed to molecularly identify the presence of SARS-CoV-2 in urban wild rodents from Mexico City, trapped along a water channel of a public park as part of a pest control program, at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, during the fall and winter of 2020. Up to 33 Mus musculus and 52 R. norvegicus were captured and euthanized, large intestine samples with feces from the animals were obtained. RNAs were obtained and subjected to qRT-PCR for SARS-CoV-2 identification and threshold cycle (Ct) values were obtained. Four mice (12.1%) and three rats (5.8%) were positive, three rodents exhibited Ct<30. Our results on the frequency of SARS-CoV-2 in urban rats are in line with other previous reports. Thus, similar to other authors, we suggest that surveillance for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 in urban wild rodents, as sentinel animals, should be maintained.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - José Antonio Ocampo Cervantes
- Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana, Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas y Acuícolas de Cuemanco, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Guiehdani Villalobos
- Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana, Departamento de Producción Agrícola y Animal, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | | | - Emilio Rendon-Franco
- Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana, Departamento de Producción Agrícola y Animal, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Pablo Maravilla
- Hospital General “Dr. Manuel Gea González”, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Mirza Romero Valdovinos
- Hospital General “Dr. Manuel Gea González”, Departamento de Biología Molecular e Histocompatibilidad, Laboratorio de Patógenos Emergentes, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Claudia Irais Muñoz-Garcia
- Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana, Departamento de Producción Agrícola y Animal, Ciudad de México, Mexico
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4
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Morozov I, Gaudreault NN, Trujillo JD, Indran SV, Cool K, Kwon T, Meekins DA, Balaraman V, Artiaga BL, Madden DW, McDowell C, Njaa B, Retallick J, Hainer N, Millership J, Wilson WC, Tkalcevic G, Vander Horst H, Burakova Y, King V, Hutchinson K, Hardham JM, Schwahn DJ, Kumar M, Richt JA. Preliminary Study on the Efficacy of a Recombinant, Subunit SARS-CoV-2 Animal Vaccine against Virulent SARS-CoV-2 Challenge in Cats. Vaccines (Basel) 2023; 11:1831. [PMID: 38140233 PMCID: PMC10747320 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines11121831] [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: 09/11/2023] [Revised: 11/26/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
The objective of this work was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of a recombinant, subunit SARS-CoV-2 animal vaccine in cats against virulent SARS-CoV-2 challenge. Two groups of cats were immunized with two doses of either a recombinant SARS-CoV-2 spike protein vaccine or a placebo, administered three weeks apart. Seven weeks after the second vaccination, both groups of cats were challenged with SARS-CoV-2 via the intranasal and oral routes simultaneously. Animals were monitored for 14 days post-infection for clinical signs and viral shedding before being humanely euthanized and evaluated for macroscopic and microscopic lesions. The recombinant SARS-CoV-2 spike protein subunit vaccine induced strong serologic responses post-vaccination and significantly increased neutralizing antibody responses post-challenge. A significant difference in nasal and oral viral shedding, with significantly reduced virus load (detected using RT-qPCR) was observed in vaccinates compared to mock-vaccinated controls. Duration of nasal, oral, and rectal viral shedding was also significantly reduced in vaccinates compared to controls. No differences in histopathological lesion scores were noted between the two groups. Our findings support the safety and efficacy of the recombinant spike protein-based SARS-CoV-2 vaccine which induced high levels of neutralizing antibodies and reduced nasal, oral, and rectal viral shedding, indicating that this vaccine will be efficacious as a COVID-19 vaccine for domestic cats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Igor Morozov
- Department of Diagnostic Medicine/Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA (V.B.)
| | - Natasha N. Gaudreault
- Department of Diagnostic Medicine/Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA (V.B.)
| | - Jessie D. Trujillo
- Department of Diagnostic Medicine/Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA (V.B.)
| | - Sabarish V. Indran
- Department of Diagnostic Medicine/Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA (V.B.)
| | - Konner Cool
- Department of Diagnostic Medicine/Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA (V.B.)
| | - Taeyong Kwon
- Department of Diagnostic Medicine/Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA (V.B.)
| | - David A. Meekins
- Department of Diagnostic Medicine/Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA (V.B.)
| | - Velmurugan Balaraman
- Department of Diagnostic Medicine/Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA (V.B.)
| | - Bianca Libanori Artiaga
- Department of Diagnostic Medicine/Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA (V.B.)
| | - Daniel W. Madden
- Department of Diagnostic Medicine/Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA (V.B.)
| | - Chester McDowell
- Department of Diagnostic Medicine/Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA (V.B.)
| | - Bradley Njaa
- Kansas State Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA; (B.N.)
| | - Jamie Retallick
- Kansas State Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA; (B.N.)
| | | | | | - William C. Wilson
- Foreign Arthropod-Borne Animal Disease Research Unit, National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility, United States Department of Agriculture, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Juergen A. Richt
- Department of Diagnostic Medicine/Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA (V.B.)
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5
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Mabry ME, Fanelli A, Mavian C, Lorusso A, Manes C, Soltis PS, Capua I. The panzootic potential of SARS-CoV-2. Bioscience 2023; 73:814-829. [PMID: 38125826 PMCID: PMC10728779 DOI: 10.1093/biosci/biad102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2022] [Revised: 09/09/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Each year, SARS-CoV-2 is infecting an increasingly unprecedented number of species. In the present article, we combine mammalian phylogeny with the genetic characteristics of isolates found in mammals to elaborate on the host-range potential of SARS-CoV-2. Infections in nonhuman mammals mirror those of contemporary viral strains circulating in humans, although, in certain species, extensive viral circulation has led to unique genetic signatures. As in other recent studies, we found that the conservation of the ACE2 receptor cannot be considered the sole major determinant of susceptibility. However, we are able to identify major clades and families as candidates for increased surveillance. On the basis of our findings, we argue that the use of the term panzootic could be a more appropriate term than pandemic to describe the ongoing scenario. This term better captures the magnitude of the SARS-CoV-2 host range and would hopefully inspire inclusive policy actions, including systematic screenings, that could better support the management of this worldwide event.
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Affiliation(s)
- Makenzie E Mabry
- Florida Museum of Natural History, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States
| | - Angela Fanelli
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Valenzano, Bari, Italy
| | - Carla Mavian
- Emerging Pathogens Institute and with the Department of Pathology, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States
| | - Alessio Lorusso
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Abruzzo e del Molise G. Caporale, Teramo, Italy
| | - Costanza Manes
- Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation and with the One Health Center of Excellence, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States
| | - Pamela S Soltis
- Florida Museum of Natural History, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States
| | - Ilaria Capua
- One Health Center of Excellence, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States
- School of International Advanced Studies, Johns Hopkins University, Bologna, Italy
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6
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Earnest R, Hahn AM, Feriancek NM, Brandt M, Filler RB, Zhao Z, Breban MI, Vogels CBF, Chen NFG, Koch RT, Porzucek AJ, Sodeinde A, Garbiel A, Keanna C, Litwak H, Stuber HR, Cantoni JL, Pitzer VE, Olarte Castillo XA, Goodman LB, Wilen CB, Linske MA, Williams SC, Grubaugh ND. Survey of white-footed mice in Connecticut, USA reveals low SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence and infection with divergent betacoronaviruses. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.09.22.559030. [PMID: 37808797 PMCID: PMC10557615 DOI: 10.1101/2023.09.22.559030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/10/2023]
Abstract
Diverse mammalian species display susceptibility to and infection with SARS-CoV-2. Potential SARS-CoV-2 spillback into rodents is understudied despite their host role for numerous zoonoses and human proximity. We assessed exposure and infection among white-footed mice (Peromyscus leucopus) in Connecticut, USA. We observed 1% (6/540) wild-type neutralizing antibody seroprevalence among 2020-2022 residential mice with no cross-neutralization of variants. We detected no SARS-CoV-2 infections via RT-qPCR, but identified non-SARS-CoV-2 betacoronavirus infections via pan-coronavirus PCR among 1% (5/468) of residential mice. Sequencing revealed two divergent betacoronaviruses, preliminarily named Peromyscus coronavirus-1 and -2. Both belong to the Betacoronavirus 1 species and are ~90% identical to the closest known relative, Porcine hemagglutinating encephalomyelitis virus. Low SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence suggests white-footed mice may not be sufficiently susceptible or exposed to SARS-CoV-2 to present a long-term human health risk. However, the discovery of divergent, non-SARS-CoV-2 betacoronaviruses expands the diversity of known rodent coronaviruses and further investigation is required to understand their transmission extent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Earnest
- Department of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | - Anne M Hahn
- Department of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | - Nicole M Feriancek
- Department of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | - Matthew Brandt
- Department of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | - Renata B Filler
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
- Department of Immunobiology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Zhe Zhao
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
- Department of Immunobiology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Mallery I Breban
- Department of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | - Chantal B F Vogels
- Department of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | - Nicholas F G Chen
- Department of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | - Robert T Koch
- Department of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | - Abbey J Porzucek
- Department of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | - Afeez Sodeinde
- Department of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | - Alexa Garbiel
- Department of Environmental Science and Forestry, The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station, New Haven, CT 06511, USA
| | - Claire Keanna
- Department of Environmental Science and Forestry, The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station, New Haven, CT 06511, USA
| | - Hannah Litwak
- Department of Environmental Science and Forestry, The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station, New Haven, CT 06511, USA
| | - Heidi R Stuber
- Department of Entomology, The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station, New Haven, CT 06511, USA
| | - Jamie L Cantoni
- Department of Entomology, The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station, New Haven, CT 06511, USA
| | - Virginia E Pitzer
- Department of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | - Ximena A Olarte Castillo
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, Ithaca, NY 14853
| | - Laura B Goodman
- Department of Public & Ecosystem Health, Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, Ithaca, NY 14853
| | - Craig B Wilen
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
- Department of Immunobiology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Megan A Linske
- Department of Entomology, The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station, New Haven, CT 06511, USA
| | - Scott C Williams
- Department of Environmental Science and Forestry, The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station, New Haven, CT 06511, USA
| | - Nathan D Grubaugh
- Department of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
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7
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Hunt EA, Schwartz S, Chinnici N. Passive Surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 in Adult Blacklegged Ticks ( Ixodes scapularis) from Northeast Pennsylvania. Life (Basel) 2023; 13:1857. [PMID: 37763261 PMCID: PMC10532621 DOI: 10.3390/life13091857] [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: 07/20/2023] [Revised: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Monitoring the spread of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in wildlife is vital to public health. White-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) in the United States have tested positive for SARS-CoV-2, and their interactions with blacklegged ticks (Ixodes scapularis) raise the question of whether or not these ticks also carry SARS-CoV-2. In this study, 449 blacklegged ticks from Northeast Pennsylvania were collected in the fall of 2022 and tested via RT-qPCR for the presence of SARS-CoV-2. Fourteen ticks were amplified with late quantification cycles (Cq) using primers from two nucleocapsid genes (N1 and N2) via TaqMan assays. Three of these samples were amplified on a SYBR green assay during secondary testing. However, melt curve and gel electrophoresis analysis verified negative results for these three samples. Genetic sequencing was performed on one of the three samples to look for potential cross-reactions causing the amplification observed. However, no significant match was found in the NCBI database. Although all 449 blacklegged ticks were negative for SARS-CoV-2, I. scapularis should continue to be tested for COVID-19. If blacklegged ticks test positive for COVID-19 in the future, research should focus on determining the stability of SARS-CoV-2 with the tick vector and the potential for transmission through tick bites.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Nicole Chinnici
- Dr. Jane Huffman Wildlife Genetics Institute, East Stroudsburg University, East Stroudsburg, PA 18301, USA; (E.A.H.); (S.S.)
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8
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Peka M, Balatsky V. Analysis of RBD-ACE2 interactions in livestock species as a factor in the spread of SARS-CoV-2 among animals. Vet Anim Sci 2023; 21:100303. [PMID: 37521409 PMCID: PMC10372456 DOI: 10.1016/j.vas.2023.100303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The high mutation rate of SARS-CoV-2, which has led to the emergence of a number of virus variants, creates risks of transmission from humans to animal species and the emergence of new animal reservoirs of COVID-19. This study aimed to identify animal species among livestock susceptible to infection and develop an approach that would be possible to use for assessing the hazards caused by new SARS-CoV-2 variants for animals. Bioinformatic analysis was used to evaluate the ability of receptor-binding domains (RBDs) of different SARS-CoV-2 variants to interact with ACE2 receptors of livestock species. The results indicated that the stability of RBD-ACE2 complexes depends on both amino acid residues in the ACE2 sequences of animal species and on mutations in the RBDs of SARS-CoV-2 variants, with the residues in the interface of the RBD-ACE2 complex being the most important. All studied SARS-CoV-2 variants had high affinity for ferret and American mink receptors, while the affinity for horse, donkey, and bird species' receptors significantly increased in the highly mutated Omicron variant. Hazards that future SARS-CoV-2 variants may acquire specificity to new animal species remain high given the mutability of the virus. The continued use and expansion of the bioinformatic approach presented in this study may be relevant for monitoring transmission risks and preventing the emergence of new reservoirs of COVID-19 among animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mykyta Peka
- V. N. Karazin Kharkiv National University, 4 Svobody Sq, Kharkiv, 61022, Ukraine
- Institute of Pig Breeding and Agroindustrial Production, National Academy of Agrarian Sciences of Ukraine, 1 Shvedska Mohyla St, Poltava, 36013, Ukraine
| | - Viktor Balatsky
- V. N. Karazin Kharkiv National University, 4 Svobody Sq, Kharkiv, 61022, Ukraine
- Institute of Pig Breeding and Agroindustrial Production, National Academy of Agrarian Sciences of Ukraine, 1 Shvedska Mohyla St, Poltava, 36013, Ukraine
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9
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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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10
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Feng A, Bevins S, Chandler J, DeLiberto TJ, Ghai R, Lantz K, Lenoch J, Retchless A, Shriner S, Tang CY, Tong SS, Torchetti M, Uehara A, Wan XF. Transmission of SARS-CoV-2 in free-ranging white-tailed deer in the United States. Nat Commun 2023; 14:4078. [PMID: 37429851 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-39782-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2023] [Accepted: 06/29/2023] [Indexed: 07/12/2023] Open
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 is a zoonotic virus with documented bi-directional transmission between people and animals. Transmission of SARS-CoV-2 from humans to free-ranging white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) poses a unique public health risk due to the potential for reservoir establishment where variants may persist and evolve. We collected 8,830 respiratory samples from free-ranging white-tailed deer across Washington, D.C. and 26 states in the United States between November 2021 and April 2022. We obtained 391 sequences and identified 34 Pango lineages including the Alpha, Gamma, Delta, and Omicron variants. Evolutionary analyses showed these white-tailed deer viruses originated from at least 109 independent spillovers from humans, which resulted in 39 cases of subsequent local deer-to-deer transmission and three cases of potential spillover from white-tailed deer back to humans. Viruses repeatedly adapted to white-tailed deer with recurring amino acid substitutions across spike and other proteins. Overall, our findings suggest that multiple SARS-CoV-2 lineages were introduced, became enzootic, and co-circulated in white-tailed deer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aijing Feng
- Center for Influenza and Emerging Infectious Diseases, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
- Bond Life Sciences Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Sarah Bevins
- USDA APHIS Wildlife Services National Wildlife Disease Program, Fort Collins, CO, USA
| | - Jeff Chandler
- National Wildlife Research Center, Wildlife Services, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, US Department of Agriculture, Fort Collins, CO, USA
| | | | - Ria Ghai
- One Health Office, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Kristina Lantz
- National Veterinary Services Laboratories, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Ames, IA, USA
| | - Julianna Lenoch
- USDA APHIS Wildlife Services National Wildlife Disease Program, Fort Collins, CO, USA
| | - Adam Retchless
- National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Susan Shriner
- National Wildlife Research Center, Wildlife Services, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, US Department of Agriculture, Fort Collins, CO, USA
| | - Cynthia Y Tang
- Center for Influenza and Emerging Infectious Diseases, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
- Bond Life Sciences Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
- MU Institute for Data Science and Informatics, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Suxiang Sue Tong
- National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Mia Torchetti
- National Veterinary Services Laboratories, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Ames, IA, USA
| | - Anna Uehara
- National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Xiu-Feng Wan
- Center for Influenza and Emerging Infectious Diseases, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA.
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA.
- Bond Life Sciences Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA.
- MU Institute for Data Science and Informatics, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA.
- Department of Electrical Engineering & Computer Science, College of Engineering, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA.
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11
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Hamdy ME, El Deeb AH, Hagag NM, Shahein MA, Alaidi O, Hussein HA. Interspecies transmission of SARS CoV-2 with special emphasis on viral mutations and ACE-2 receptor homology roles. Int J Vet Sci Med 2023; 11:55-86. [PMID: 37441062 PMCID: PMC10334861 DOI: 10.1080/23144599.2023.2222981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2022] [Revised: 05/11/2023] [Accepted: 05/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
COVID-19 outbreak was first reported in 2019, Wuhan, China. The spillover of the disease caused by Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), to a wide range of pet, zoo, wild, and farm animals has emphasized potential zoonotic and reverse zoonotic viral transmission. Furthermore, it has evoked inquiries about susceptibility of different animal species to SARS-CoV-2 infection and role of these animals as viral reservoirs. Therefore, studying susceptible and non-susceptible hosts for SARS-CoV-2 infection could give a better understanding for the virus and will help in preventing further outbreaks. Here, we review structural aspects of SARS-CoV-2 spike protein, the effect of the different mutations observed in the spike protein, and the impact of ACE2 receptor variations in different animal hosts on inter-species transmission. Moreover, the SARS-CoV-2 spillover chain was reviewed. Combination of SARS-CoV-2 high mutation rate and homology of cellular ACE2 receptors enable the virus to transcend species barriers and facilitate its transmission between humans and animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mervat E. Hamdy
- Genome Research Unit, Animal Health Research Institute, Agriculture Research Centre, Giza, Egypt
| | - Ayman H. El Deeb
- Department of Virology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt
- Department of Virology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, King Salman International University, South Sinai, Egypt
| | - Naglaa M. Hagag
- Genome Research Unit, Animal Health Research Institute, Agriculture Research Centre, Giza, Egypt
| | - Momtaz A. Shahein
- Department of Virology, Animal Health Research Institute, Agriculture Research Centre, Giza, Egypt
| | - Osama Alaidi
- Biocomplexity for Research and Consulting Co., Cairo, Egypt
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, USA
- Department of Chemical Biology and Therapeutics, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Hussein A. Hussein
- Department of Virology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt
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12
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Klestova Z. Possible spread of SARS-CoV-2 in domestic and wild animals and body temperature role. Virus Res 2023; 327:199066. [PMID: 36754290 PMCID: PMC9911306 DOI: 10.1016/j.virusres.2023.199066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2022] [Revised: 02/03/2023] [Accepted: 02/04/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic was officially announced in March 2020 and is still moving around the world. Virus strains, their pathogenicity and infectivity are changing, but the ability is fast to spread and harm people's health remained, despite the seasonality seasons and other circumstances. Most likely, humanity is doomed for a long time to coexistence with this emergent pathogen, since it is already circulating not only among the human population, but and among fauna, especially among wild animals in different regions of the planet. Thus, the range the virus has expanded, the material and conditions for its evolution are more than enough. The detection of SARS-CoV-2 in known infected fauna species is analyzed and possible spread and ongoing circulation of the virus in domestic and wild animals are discussed. One of the main focus of the article is the role of animal body temperature, its fluctuations and the presence of entry receptors in the susceptibility of different animal species to SARS-CoV-2 infection and virus spreading in possible new ecological niches. The possibility of long-term circulation of the pathogen among susceptible organisms is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zinaida Klestova
- Institute for Medical Virology and Epidemiology of Viral Diseases, University Hospital Tübingen, Elfriede-Aulhorn-Straße 6, Tübingen 72076, Germany.
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13
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Bacterial and viral rodent-borne infections on poultry farms. An attempt at a systematic review. J Vet Res 2023; 67:1-10. [PMID: 37008769 PMCID: PMC10062035 DOI: 10.2478/jvetres-2023-0012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2022] [Accepted: 03/01/2023] [Indexed: 03/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Introduction
Rodents are quite common at livestock production sites. Their adaptability, high reproductive capacity and omnivorousness make them apt to become a source of disease transmission to humans and animals. Rodents can serve as mechanical vectors or active shedders of many bacteria and viruses, and their transmission can occur through direct contact, or indirectly through contaminated food and water or by the arthropods which parasitise infected rodents. This review paper summarises how rodents spread infectious diseases in poultry production.
Material and Methods
The aim of this review was to use PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) principles to meta-analyse the available data on this topic. Three databases – PubMed, Web of Science and Scopus – and grey literature were searched for papers published from inception to July 2022 using the established keywords.
Results
An initial search identified 2,999 articles that met the criteria established by the keywords. This number remained after removing 597 articles that were repeated in some databases. The articles were searched for any mention of specific bacterial and viral pathogens.
Conclusion
The importance of rodents in the spread of bacterial diseases in poultry has been established, and the vast majority of such diseases involved Salmonella, Campylobacter, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus (MRSA), Pasteurella, Erysipelothrix or Yersinia infections. Rodents also play a role in the transmission of viruses such as avian influenza virus, avian paramyxovirus 1, avian gammacoronavirus or infectious bursal disease virus, but knowledge of these pathogens is very limited and requires further research to expand it.
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14
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Abstract
Millions of Norway rats (Rattus norvegicus) inhabit New York City (NYC), presenting the potential for transmission of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) from humans to rats. We evaluated SARS-CoV-2 exposure among 79 rats captured from NYC during the fall of 2021. Our results showed that 13 of the 79 rats (16.5%) tested IgG- or IgM-positive, and partial SARS-CoV-2 genomes were recovered from all 4 rats that were qRT-PCR (reverse transcription-quantitative PCR)-positive. Genomic analyses suggest these viruses were associated with genetic lineage B, which was predominant in NYC in the spring of 2020 during the early pandemic period. To further investigate rat susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 variants, we conducted a virus challenge study and showed that Alpha, Delta, and Omicron variants can cause infections in wild-type Sprague Dawley (SD) rats, including high replication levels in the upper and lower respiratory tracts and induction of both innate and adaptive immune responses. Additionally, the Delta variant resulted in the highest infectivity. In summary, our results indicate that rats are susceptible to infection with Alpha, Delta, and Omicron variants, and wild Norway rats in the NYC municipal sewer systems have been exposed to SARS-CoV-2. Our findings highlight the need for further monitoring of SARS-CoV-2 in urban rat populations and for evaluating the potential risk of secondary zoonotic transmission from these rat populations back to humans. IMPORTANCE The host tropism expansion of SARS-CoV-2 raises concern for the potential risk of reverse-zoonotic transmission of emerging variants into rodent species, including wild rat species. In this study, we present both genetic and serological evidence for SARS-CoV-2 exposure to the New York City wild rat population, and these viruses may be linked to the viruses that were circulating during the early stages of the pandemic. We also demonstrated that rats are susceptible to additional variants (i.e., Alpha, Delta, and Omicron) that have been predominant in humans and that susceptibility to infection varies by variant. Our findings highlight the reverse zoonosis of SARS-CoV-2 to urban rats and the need for further monitoring of SARS-CoV-2 in rat populations for potential secondary zoonotic transmission to humans.
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15
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Hall JS, Hofmeister E, Ip HS, Nashold SW, Leon AE, Malavé CM, Falendysz EA, Rocke TE, Carossino M, Balasuriya U, Knowles S. Experimental Infection of Mexican Free-Tailed Bats ( Tadarida brasiliensis) with SARS-CoV-2. mSphere 2023; 8:e0026322. [PMID: 36598226 PMCID: PMC9942575 DOI: 10.1128/msphere.00263-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2022] [Accepted: 11/10/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) virus is thought to have originated in wild bats from Asia, and as the resulting pandemic continues into its third year, concerns have been raised that the virus will expand its host range and infect North American wildlife species, including bats. Mexican free-tailed bats (Tadarida brasiliensis) live in large colonies in the southern United States, often in urban areas and, as such, could be exposed to the virus from infected humans. We experimentally challenged wild T. brasiliensis with SARS-CoV-2 to determine the susceptibility, reservoir potential, and population impacts of infection in this species. Of 10 bats oronasally inoculated with SARS-CoV-2, 5 became infected and orally excreted moderate amounts of virus for up to 18 days postinoculation. These five subjects all seroconverted and cleared the virus before the end of the study with no obvious clinical signs of disease. We additionally found no evidence of viral transmission to uninoculated subjects. These results indicate that while T. brasiliensis are susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 infection, infection of wild populations of T. brasiliensis would not likely cause mortality. However, the transmission of SARS-CoV-2 from T. brasiliensis to or from humans, or to other animal species, is a possibility requiring further investigation to better define. IMPORTANCE As the COVID-19 pandemic has continued for 3+ years, there has been increasing concern that the SARS-CoV-2 virus will enter wildlife populations and potentially create new reservoirs where the virus could adapt to a new host and create variants. This is particularly possible with species that reside in man-made structures, in proximity to infected human populations. Mexican free-tailed bats (Tadarida brasiliensis) live in large colonies, often in urban settings and, thus, can be exposed by infected humans and potentially transmit the virus to new hosts. We experimentally challenged T. brasiliensis with SARS-CoV-2 and revealed that they are susceptible to the virus and excrete moderate amounts for up to 18 days postinoculation. This is important information for wildlife biologists, wildlife rehabilitation workers, and the general public that may contact these animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- J. S. Hall
- U.S. Geological Survey, National Wildlife Health Center, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - E. Hofmeister
- U.S. Geological Survey, National Wildlife Health Center, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - H. S. Ip
- U.S. Geological Survey, National Wildlife Health Center, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - S. W. Nashold
- U.S. Geological Survey, National Wildlife Health Center, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - A. E. Leon
- U.S. Geological Survey, National Wildlife Health Center, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - C. M. Malavé
- U.S. Geological Survey, National Wildlife Health Center, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - E. A. Falendysz
- U.S. Geological Survey, National Wildlife Health Center, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - T. E. Rocke
- U.S. Geological Survey, National Wildlife Health Center, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - M. Carossino
- Louisiana Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory, School of Veterinary Health Medicine, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA
- Department of Pathobiological Sciences, School of Veterinary Health Medicine, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA
| | - U. Balasuriya
- Louisiana Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory, School of Veterinary Health Medicine, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA
- Department of Pathobiological Sciences, School of Veterinary Health Medicine, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA
| | - S. Knowles
- U.S. Geological Survey, National Wildlife Health Center, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
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16
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White-tailed deer ( Odocoileus virginianus) may serve as a wildlife reservoir for nearly extinct SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2215067120. [PMID: 36719912 PMCID: PMC9963525 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2215067120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The spillover of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) from humans to white-tailed deer (WTD) and its ability to transmit from deer to deer raised concerns about the role of WTD in the epidemiology and ecology of the virus. Here, we present a comprehensive cross-sectional study assessing the prevalence, genetic diversity, and evolution of SARS-CoV-2 in WTD in the State of New York (NY). A total of 5,462 retropharyngeal lymph node samples collected from free-ranging hunter-harvested WTD during the hunting seasons of 2020 (Season 1, September to December 2020, n = 2,700) and 2021 (Season 2, September to December 2021, n = 2,762) were tested by SARS-CoV-2 real-time RT-PCR (rRT-PCR). SARS-CoV-2 RNA was detected in 17 samples (0.6%) from Season 1 and in 583 samples (21.1%) from Season 2. Hotspots of infection were identified in multiple confined geographic areas of NY. Sequence analysis of SARS-CoV-2 genomes from 164 samples demonstrated the presence of multiple SARS-CoV-2 lineages and the cocirculation of three major variants of concern (VOCs) (Alpha, Gamma, and Delta) in WTD. Our analysis suggests the occurrence of multiple spillover events (human to deer) of the Alpha and Delta lineages with subsequent deer-to-deer transmission and adaptation of the viruses. Detection of Alpha and Gamma variants in WTD long after their broad circulation in humans in NY suggests that WTD may serve as a wildlife reservoir for VOCs no longer circulating in humans. Thus, implementation of continuous surveillance programs to monitor SARS-CoV-2 dynamics in WTD is warranted, and measures to minimize virus transmission between humans and animals are urgently needed.
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17
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Nielsen SS, Alvarez J, Bicout DJ, Calistri P, Canali E, Drewe JA, Garin‐Bastuji B, Gonzales Rojas JL, Gortázar C, Herskin M, Michel V, Miranda Chueca MÁ, Padalino B, Pasquali P, Roberts HC, Spoolder H, Velarde A, Viltrop A, Winckler C, Adlhoch C, Aznar I, Baldinelli F, Boklund A, Broglia A, Gerhards N, Mur L, Nannapaneni P, Ståhl K. SARS-CoV-2 in animals: susceptibility of animal species, risk for animal and public health, monitoring, prevention and control. EFSA J 2023; 21:e07822. [PMID: 36860662 PMCID: PMC9968901 DOI: 10.2903/j.efsa.2023.7822] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The epidemiological situation of SARS-CoV-2 in humans and animals is continually evolving. To date, animal species known to transmit SARS-CoV-2 are American mink, raccoon dog, cat, ferret, hamster, house mouse, Egyptian fruit bat, deer mouse and white-tailed deer. Among farmed animals, American mink have the highest likelihood to become infected from humans or animals and further transmit SARS-CoV-2. In the EU, 44 outbreaks were reported in 2021 in mink farms in seven MSs, while only six in 2022 in two MSs, thus representing a decreasing trend. The introduction of SARS-CoV-2 into mink farms is usually via infected humans; this can be controlled by systematically testing people entering farms and adequate biosecurity. The current most appropriate monitoring approach for mink is the outbreak confirmation based on suspicion, testing dead or clinically sick animals in case of increased mortality or positive farm personnel and the genomic surveillance of virus variants. The genomic analysis of SARS-CoV-2 showed mink-specific clusters with a potential to spill back into the human population. Among companion animals, cats, ferrets and hamsters are those at highest risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection, which most likely originates from an infected human, and which has no or very low impact on virus circulation in the human population. Among wild animals (including zoo animals), mostly carnivores, great apes and white-tailed deer have been reported to be naturally infected by SARS-CoV-2. In the EU, no cases of infected wildlife have been reported so far. Proper disposal of human waste is advised to reduce the risks of spill-over of SARS-CoV-2 to wildlife. Furthermore, contact with wildlife, especially if sick or dead, should be minimised. No specific monitoring for wildlife is recommended apart from testing hunter-harvested animals with clinical signs or found-dead. Bats should be monitored as a natural host of many coronaviruses.
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18
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Reggiani A, Rugna G, Bonilauri P. SARS-CoV-2 and animals, a long story that doesn't have to end now: What we need to learn from the emergence of the Omicron variant. Front Vet Sci 2022; 9:1085613. [PMID: 36590812 PMCID: PMC9798331 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2022.1085613] [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: 10/31/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
OIE, the world organization for animal health, recently released an update on the state of the art of knowledge regarding SARS-CoV-2 in animals. For farmed animals, ferrets and minks were found to be highly susceptible to the virus and develop symptomatic disease both in natural conditions and in experimental infections. Lagomorphs of the species Oryctolagus cuniculus are indicated as highly susceptible to the virus under experimental conditions, but show no symptoms of the disease and do not transmit the virus between conspecifics, unlike raccoon dogs (Nyctereutes procyonoides), which in addition to being highly susceptible to the virus under experimental conditions, can also transmit the virus between conspecifics. Among felines, the circulation of the virus has reached a level of cases such as sometimes suggests the experimental use of vaccines for human use or treatments with monoclonal antibodies. But even among wild animals, several species (White-tailed deer, Egyptian rousettes, and minks) have now been described as potential natural reservoirs of the virus. This proven circulation of SARS-CoV-2 among animals has not been accompanied by the development of an adequate surveillance system that allows following the evolution of the virus among its natural hosts. This will be all the more relevant as the surveillance system in humans inevitably drops and we move to surveillance by sentinels similar to the human flu virus. The lesson that we can draw from the emergence of Omicron and, more than likely, its animal origin must not be lost, and in this mini-review, we explain why.
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19
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SARS-CoV-2 exposure in Norway rats ( Rattus norvegicus) from New York City. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2022:2022.11.18.517156. [PMID: 36451891 PMCID: PMC9709794 DOI: 10.1101/2022.11.18.517156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Millions of Norway rats (Rattus norvegicus) inhabit New York City (NYC), presenting the potential for transmission of SARS-CoV-2 from humans to rats and other wildlife. We evaluated SARS-CoV-2 exposure among 79 rats captured from NYC during the fall of 2021. Results showed that 13 of 79 rats (16.5%) tested IgG or IgM positive, and partial genomes of SARS-CoV-2 were recovered from four rats that were qRT-PCR positive. Using a virus challenge study, we also showed that Alpha, Delta, and Omicron variants can cause robust infections in wild-type Sprague Dawley (SD) rats, including high level replications in the upper and lower respiratory tracts and induction of both innate and adaptive immune responses. Additionally, the Delta variant resulted in the highest infectivity. In summary, our results indicated that rats are susceptible to infection with Alpha, Delta, and Omicron variants, and rats in the NYC municipal sewer systems have been exposed to SARS-CoV-2. Our findings highlight the potential risk of secondary zoonotic transmission from urban rats and the need for further monitoring of SARS-CoV-2 in those populations.
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20
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Panei CJ, Bravi ME, Moré G, De Felice L, Unzaga JM, Salina M, Rivero FD, Di Lullo D, Pecoraro M, Alvarez D, Castro E, Fuentealba NA. Serological evidence of SARS-CoV-2 infection in pets naturally exposed during the COVID-19 outbreak in Argentina. Vet Immunol Immunopathol 2022; 254:110519. [PMID: 36434944 PMCID: PMC9664835 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetimm.2022.110519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2022] [Revised: 11/11/2022] [Accepted: 11/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the etiological agent of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), has rapidly spread worldwide. The monitoring of animals has shown that certain species may be susceptible to be infected with the virus. The present study aimed to evaluate the presence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies by ELISA and virus neutralization (VN) in pets from owners previously confirmed as COVID-19-positive in Argentina. Serum samples of 38 pets (seven cats and 31 dogs) were obtained for SARS-CoV-2 antibody detection. Three out of the seven cats and 14 out of the 31 dogs were positive for SARS-CoV-2 by ELISA, and one cat and six dogs showed the presence of neutralizing antibodies in which the cat and two of the six dogs showed high titers. Another dog from which three serum samples had been obtained within eight months from the diagnosis of its owner showed the presence of antibodies at different times by both ELISA and VN. However, the results showed that the antibodies decreased slightly from the first to the third sample. Our results provide evidence that SARS-CoV-2 infection in pets living with COVID-19-positive humans from Argentina during the outbreak of SARS-CoV-2 can be detected by serology assay.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos Javier Panei
- Laboratorio de Virología, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias (FCV), Universidad Nacional de La Plata (UNLP), 60 & 118, La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina,Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Godoy Cruz 2290 (C1425FQB) Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - María Emilia Bravi
- Laboratorio de Virología, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias (FCV), Universidad Nacional de La Plata (UNLP), 60 & 118, La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina,Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Godoy Cruz 2290 (C1425FQB) Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Gastón Moré
- Laboratorio de Inmunoparasitología, FCV-UNLP, 60 & 118, La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina,Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Godoy Cruz 2290 (C1425FQB) Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Lorena De Felice
- Laboratorio de Inmunoparasitología, FCV-UNLP, 60 & 118, La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Juan Manuel Unzaga
- Laboratorio de Inmunoparasitología, FCV-UNLP, 60 & 118, La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Marcos Salina
- Laboratorio de Virología, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias (FCV), Universidad Nacional de La Plata (UNLP), 60 & 118, La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Fernando David Rivero
- Instituto Multidisciplinario de Salud, Tecnología y Desarrollo (IMSaTeD), CONICET-UNSE, Villa El Zanjón, Ruta Nacional Nº 9, Km 1125, 4206, Santiago del Estero, Argentina
| | - David Di Lullo
- Instituto Multidisciplinario de Salud, Tecnología y Desarrollo (IMSaTeD), CONICET-UNSE, Villa El Zanjón, Ruta Nacional Nº 9, Km 1125, 4206, Santiago del Estero, Argentina
| | - Marcelo Pecoraro
- Laboratorio de Virología, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias (FCV), Universidad Nacional de La Plata (UNLP), 60 & 118, La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Diego Alvarez
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biotecnológicas, Universidad Nacional de San Martín (UNSAM) - CONICET, Av. 25 de Mayo y Francia (B1650HMR), Buenos Aires, Argentina,Escuela de Bio y Nanotecnologías (EByN), UNSAM, Av. 25 de Mayo y Francia (B1650HMR), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Eliana Castro
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biotecnológicas, Universidad Nacional de San Martín (UNSAM) - CONICET, Av. 25 de Mayo y Francia (B1650HMR), Buenos Aires, Argentina,Instituto de Virología e Innovaciones Tecnológicas (IVIT), Centro de Investigaciones en Ciencias Veterinarias y Agronómicas (CICVyA), Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA) - CONICET, Argentina
| | - Nadia Analía Fuentealba
- Laboratorio de Virología, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias (FCV), Universidad Nacional de La Plata (UNLP), 60 & 118, La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina,Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Godoy Cruz 2290 (C1425FQB) Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina,Corresponding author at: Laboratorio de Virología, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias (FCV), Universidad Nacional de La Plata (UNLP), 60 & 118, La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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21
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Bourret V, Dutra L, Alburkat H, Mäki S, Lintunen E, Wasniewski M, Kant R, Grzybek M, Venkat V, Asad H, Pradel J, Bouilloud M, Leirs H, Colombo VC, Sluydts V, Stuart P, McManus A, Eccard JA, Firozpoor J, Imholt C, Nowicka J, Goll A, Ranc N, Castel G, Charbonnel N, Sironen T. Serologic Surveillance for SARS-CoV-2 Infection among Wild Rodents, Europe. Emerg Infect Dis 2022; 28:2577-2580. [DOI: 10.3201/eid2812.221235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
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22
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Leon AE, Garelle D, Hartwig A, Falendysz EA, Ip HS, Lankton JS, Tretten TN, Spraker TR, Bowen R, Rocke TE. Immunogenicity, Safety, and Anti-Viral Efficacy of a Subunit SARS-CoV-2 Vaccine Candidate in Captive Black-Footed Ferrets ( Mustela nigripes) and Their Susceptibility to Viral Challenge. Viruses 2022; 14:v14102188. [PMID: 36298743 PMCID: PMC9612080 DOI: 10.3390/v14102188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2022] [Revised: 09/23/2022] [Accepted: 10/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
A preliminary vaccination trial against the emergent pathogen, SARS-CoV-2, was completed in captive black-footed ferrets (Mustela nigripes; BFF) to assess safety, immunogenicity, and anti-viral efficacy. Vaccination and boosting of 15 BFF with purified SARS-CoV-2 S1 subunit protein produced a nearly 150-fold increase in mean antibody titers compared to pre-vaccination titers. Serum antibody responses were highest in young animals, but in all vaccinees, antibody response declined rapidly. Anti-viral activity from vaccinated and unvaccinated BFF was determined in vitro, as well as in vivo with a passive serum transfer study in mice. Transgenic mice that received BFF serum transfers and were subsequently challenged with SARS-CoV-2 had lung viral loads that negatively correlated (p < 0.05) with the BFF serum titer received. Lastly, an experimental challenge study in a small group of BFF was completed to test susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2. Despite viral replication and shedding in the upper respiratory tract for up to 7 days post-challenge, no clinical disease was observed in either vaccinated or naive animals. The lack of morbidity or mortality observed indicates SARS-CoV-2 is unlikely to affect wild BFF populations, but infected captive animals pose a potential risk, albeit low, for humans and other animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ariel E. Leon
- U.S. Geological Survey, National Wildlife Health Center, 6006 Schroeder Rd., Madison, WI 53711, USA
| | - Della Garelle
- U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, National Black-Footed Ferret Conservation Center, 19180 North East Frontage Road, Carr, CO 80612, USA
| | - Airn Hartwig
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, 3107 Rampart Road, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA
| | - Elizabeth A. Falendysz
- U.S. Geological Survey, National Wildlife Health Center, 6006 Schroeder Rd., Madison, WI 53711, USA
| | - Hon S. Ip
- U.S. Geological Survey, National Wildlife Health Center, 6006 Schroeder Rd., Madison, WI 53711, USA
| | - Julia S. Lankton
- U.S. Geological Survey, National Wildlife Health Center, 6006 Schroeder Rd., Madison, WI 53711, USA
| | - Tyler N. Tretten
- U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, National Black-Footed Ferret Conservation Center, 19180 North East Frontage Road, Carr, CO 80612, USA
| | - Terry R. Spraker
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Pathology, Colorado State University, 2450 Gillette Dr, Fort Collins, CO 80526, USA
| | - Richard Bowen
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, 3107 Rampart Road, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA
| | - Tonie E. Rocke
- U.S. Geological Survey, National Wildlife Health Center, 6006 Schroeder Rd., Madison, WI 53711, USA
- Correspondence:
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23
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Wernike K, Drewes S, Mehl C, Hesse C, Imholt C, Jacob J, Ulrich RG, Beer M. No Evidence for the Presence of SARS-CoV-2 in Bank Voles and Other Rodents in Germany, 2020–2022. Pathogens 2022; 11:pathogens11101112. [PMID: 36297169 PMCID: PMC9610409 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11101112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2022] [Revised: 09/23/2022] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Rodentia is the most speciose mammalian order, found across the globe, with some species occurring in close proximity to humans. Furthermore, rodents are known hosts for a variety of zoonotic pathogens. Among other animal species, rodents came into focus when the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus type 2 (SARS-CoV-2) spread through human populations across the globe, initially as laboratory animals to study the viral pathogenesis and to test countermeasures. Under experimental conditions, some rodent species including several cricetid species are susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 infection and a few of them can transmit the virus to conspecifics. To investigate whether SARS-CoV-2 is also spreading in wild rodent populations in Germany, we serologically tested samples of free-ranging bank voles (Myodes glareolus, n = 694), common voles (Microtus arvalis, n = 2), house mice (Mus musculus, n = 27), brown or Norway rats (Rattus norvegicus, n = 97) and Apodemus species (n = 8) for antibodies against the virus. The samples were collected from 2020 to 2022 in seven German federal states. All but one sample tested negative by a multispecies ELISA based on the receptor-binding domain (RBD) of SARS-CoV-2. The remaining sample, from a common vole collected in 2021, was within the inconclusive range of the RBD-ELISA, but this result could not be confirmed by a surrogate virus neutralization test as the sample gave a negative result in this test. These results indicate that SARS-CoV-2 has not become highly prevalent in wild rodent populations in Germany.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kerstin Wernike
- Institute of Diagnostic Virology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, 17493 Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
- Correspondence:
| | - Stephan Drewes
- Institute of Novel and Emerging Infectious Diseases, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, 17493 Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Calvin Mehl
- Institute of Novel and Emerging Infectious Diseases, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, 17493 Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
- German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), Site Hamburg-Lübeck-Borstel-Riems, 17493 Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Christin Hesse
- Rodent Research, Institute for Epidemiology and Pathogen Diagnostics, Julius Kühn-Institute (JKI), Federal Research Centre for Cultivated Plants, 48161 Münster, Germany
| | - Christian Imholt
- Rodent Research, Institute for Epidemiology and Pathogen Diagnostics, Julius Kühn-Institute (JKI), Federal Research Centre for Cultivated Plants, 48161 Münster, Germany
| | - Jens Jacob
- Rodent Research, Institute for Epidemiology and Pathogen Diagnostics, Julius Kühn-Institute (JKI), Federal Research Centre for Cultivated Plants, 48161 Münster, Germany
| | - Rainer G. Ulrich
- Institute of Novel and Emerging Infectious Diseases, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, 17493 Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
- German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), Site Hamburg-Lübeck-Borstel-Riems, 17493 Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Martin Beer
- Institute of Diagnostic Virology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, 17493 Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
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24
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GPS Tracking of Free-Roaming Cats (Felis catus) on SARS-CoV-2-Infected Mink Farms in Utah. Viruses 2022; 14:v14102131. [PMID: 36298686 PMCID: PMC9611678 DOI: 10.3390/v14102131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2022] [Revised: 09/19/2022] [Accepted: 09/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Zoonotic transmission of SARS-CoV-2 from infected humans to other animals has been documented around the world, most notably in mink farming operations in Europe and the United States. Outbreaks of SARS-CoV-2 on Utah mink farms began in late July 2020 and resulted in high mink mortality. An investigation of these outbreaks revealed active and past SARS-CoV-2 infections in free-roaming and in feral cats living on or near several mink farms. Cats were captured using live traps, were sampled, fitted with GPS collars, and released on the farms. GPS tracking of these cats show they made frequent visits to mink sheds, moved freely around the affected farms, and visited surrounding residential properties and neighborhoods on multiple occasions, making them potential low risk vectors of additional SARS-CoV-2 spread in local communities.
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25
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Han J, He S, Shao W, Wang C, Qiao L, Zhang J, Yang L. Municipal solid waste, an overlooked route of transmission for the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2: a review. ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMISTRY LETTERS 2022; 21:81-95. [PMID: 36124224 PMCID: PMC9476438 DOI: 10.1007/s10311-022-01512-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2022] [Accepted: 08/16/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Municipal solid waste could potentially transmit human pathogens during the collection, transport, handling, and disposal of waste. Workers and residents living in the vicinity of municipal solid waste collection or disposal sites are particularly susceptible, especially unprotected workers and waste pickers. Recent evidence suggests that municipal solid waste-mediated transmission can spread the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) to humans. Such risks, however, have received little attention from public health authorities so far and may present an under-investigated transmission route for SARS-CoV-2 and other infectious agents during pandemics. In this review, we provide a retrospective analysis of the challenges, practices, and policies on municipal solid waste management during the current pandemic, and scrutinize the recent case reports on the municipal solid waste-mediated transmission of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). We found abrupt changes in quantity and composition of municipal solid wastes during the COVID-19. We detail pathways of exposure to SARS-CoV-2 and other pathogens carried on municipal solid wastes. We disclose evidence of pathogenic transmission by municipal solid waste to humans and animals. Assessments of current policies, gaps, and voluntary actions taken on municipal solid waste handling and disposal in the current pandemic are presented. We propose risk mitigation strategies and research priorities to alleviate the risk for humans and vectors exposed to municipal solid wastes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Han
- School of Human Settlements and Civil Engineering, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, 710049 People’s Republic of China
| | - Shanshan He
- School of Human Settlements and Civil Engineering, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, 710049 People’s Republic of China
| | - Wenyuan Shao
- School of Life Sciences and Technology, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, 710049 People’s Republic of China
| | - Chaoqi Wang
- School of Human Settlements and Civil Engineering, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, 710049 People’s Republic of China
| | - Longkai Qiao
- School of Human Settlements and Civil Engineering, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, 710049 People’s Republic of China
| | - Jiaqi Zhang
- School of Human Settlements and Civil Engineering, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, 710049 People’s Republic of China
| | - Ling Yang
- School of Engineering and Built Environment, Griffith University, Nathan, QLD 4111 Australia
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26
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Susceptibility of Domestic Goat ( Capra aegagrus hircus) to Experimental Infection with Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) B.1.351/Beta Variant. Viruses 2022; 14:v14092002. [PMID: 36146808 PMCID: PMC9503527 DOI: 10.3390/v14092002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2022] [Revised: 09/01/2022] [Accepted: 09/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
A wide range of animal species are susceptible to the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. Natural and/or experimental infections have been reported in pet, zoo, farmed and wild animals. Interestingly, some SARS-CoV-2 variants, such as B.1.1.7/Alpha, B.1.351/Beta, and B.1.1.529/Omicron, were demonstrated to infect some animal species not susceptible to classical viral variants. The present study aimed to elucidate if goats (Capra aegagrus hircus) are susceptible to the B.1.351/Beta variant. First, an in silico approach was used to predict the affinity between the receptor-binding domain of the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2 B.1.351/Beta variant and angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 from goats. Moreover, we performed an experimental inoculation with this variant in domestic goat and showed evidence of infection. SARS-CoV-2 was detected in nasal swabs and tissues by RT-qPCR and/or immunohistochemistry, and seroneutralisation was confirmed via ELISA and live virus neutralisation assays. However, the viral amount and tissue distribution suggest a low susceptibility of goats to the B.1.351/Beta variant. Therefore, although monitoring livestock is advisable, it is unlikely that goats play a role as SARS-CoV-2 reservoir species, and they are not useful surrogates to study SARS-CoV-2 infection in farmed animals.
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27
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Islam A, Ferdous J, Islam S, Sayeed MA, Rahman MK, Saha O, Hassan MM, Shirin T. Transmission dynamics and susceptibility patterns of SARS-CoV-2 in domestic, farmed and wild animals: Sustainable One Health surveillance for conservation and public health to prevent future epidemics and pandemics. Transbound Emerg Dis 2022; 69:2523-2543. [PMID: 34694705 PMCID: PMC8662162 DOI: 10.1111/tbed.14356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2021] [Revised: 10/14/2021] [Accepted: 10/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The exact origin of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and source of introduction into humans has not been established yet, though it might be originated from animals. Therefore, we conducted a study to understand the putative reservoirs, transmission dynamics, and susceptibility patterns of SARS-CoV-2 in animals. Rhinolophus bats are presumed to be natural progenitors of SARS-CoV-2-related viruses. Initially, pangolin was thought to be the source of spillover to humans, but they might be infected by human or other animal species. So, the virus spillover pathways to humans remain unknown. Human-to-animal transmission has been testified in pet, farmed, zoo and free-ranging wild animals. Infected animals can transmit the virus to other animals in natural settings like mink-to-mink and mink-to-cat transmission. Animal-to-human transmission is not a persistent pathway, while mink-to-human transmission continues to be illuminated. Multiple companions and captive wild animals were infected by an emerging alpha variant of concern (B.1.1.7 lineage) whereas Asiatic lions were infected by delta variant, (B.1.617.2). To date, multiple animal species - cat, ferrets, non-human primates, hamsters and bats - showed high susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 in the experimental condition, while swine, poultry, cattle showed no susceptibility. The founding of SARS-CoV-2 in wild animal reservoirs can confront the control of the virus in humans and might carry a risk to the welfare and conservation of wildlife as well. We suggest vaccinating pets and captive animals to stop spillovers and spillback events. We recommend sustainable One Health surveillance at the animal-human-environmental interface to detect and prevent future epidemics and pandemics by Disease X.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ariful Islam
- EcoHealth AllianceNew YorkUnited States
- Centre for Integrative Ecology, School of Life and Environmental ScienceDeakin UniversityVictoriaAustralia
- Institute of EpidemiologyDisease Control and Research (IEDCR)DhakaBangladesh
| | - Jinnat Ferdous
- EcoHealth AllianceNew YorkUnited States
- Institute of EpidemiologyDisease Control and Research (IEDCR)DhakaBangladesh
| | - Shariful Islam
- EcoHealth AllianceNew YorkUnited States
- Institute of EpidemiologyDisease Control and Research (IEDCR)DhakaBangladesh
| | - Md. Abu Sayeed
- EcoHealth AllianceNew YorkUnited States
- Institute of EpidemiologyDisease Control and Research (IEDCR)DhakaBangladesh
| | - Md. Kaisar Rahman
- EcoHealth AllianceNew YorkUnited States
- Institute of EpidemiologyDisease Control and Research (IEDCR)DhakaBangladesh
| | - Otun Saha
- EcoHealth AllianceNew YorkUnited States
- Institute of EpidemiologyDisease Control and Research (IEDCR)DhakaBangladesh
- Department of MicrobiologyUniversity of DhakaDhakaBangladesh
| | - Mohammad Mahmudul Hassan
- Faculty of Veterinary MedicineChattogram Veterinary and Animal Sciences UniversityChattogramBangladesh
| | - Tahmina Shirin
- Institute of EpidemiologyDisease Control and Research (IEDCR)DhakaBangladesh
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28
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Bosco-Lauth AM, Porter SM, Fox KA, Wood ME, Neubaum D, Quilici M. Experimental Infection of Brazilian Free-Tailed Bats (Tadarida brasiliensis) with Two Strains of SARS-CoV-2. Viruses 2022; 14:v14081809. [PMID: 36016431 PMCID: PMC9412320 DOI: 10.3390/v14081809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2022] [Revised: 08/07/2022] [Accepted: 08/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is presumed to have originated from wildlife and shares homology with other bat coronaviruses. Determining the susceptibility of North American bat species to SARS-CoV-2 is of utmost importance for making decisions regarding wildlife management, public health, and conservation. In this study, Brazilian free-tailed bats (Tadarida brasiliensis) were experimentally infected with two strains of SARS-CoV-2 (parental WA01 and Delta variant), evaluated for clinical disease, sampled for viral shedding and antibody production, and analyzed for pathology. None of the bats (n = 18) developed clinical disease associated with infection, shed infectious virus, or developed histopathological lesions associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection. All bats had low levels of viral RNA in oral swabs, six bats had low levels of viral RNA present in the lungs during acute infection, and one of the four bats that were maintained until 28 days post-infection developed a neutralizing antibody response. These findings suggest that Brazilian free-tailed bats are permissive to infection by SARS-CoV-2, but they are unlikely to contribute to environmental maintenance or transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela M. Bosco-Lauth
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA
- Correspondence:
| | - Stephanie M. Porter
- U.S. Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Wildlife Services, National Wildlife Research Center, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA
| | - Karen A. Fox
- Colorado Parks and Wildlife, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA
| | - Mary E. Wood
- Colorado Parks and Wildlife, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA
| | - Daniel Neubaum
- Colorado Parks and Wildlife, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA
| | - Marissa Quilici
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA
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29
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Hall JS, Hofmeister E, Ip HS, Nashold SW, Leon AE, Malavé CM, Falendysz EA, Rocke TE, Carossino M, Balasuriya U, Knowles S. Experimental infection of Mexican free-tailed bats ( Tadarida brasiliensis) with SARS-CoV-2. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2022:2022.07.18.500430. [PMID: 35898345 PMCID: PMC9327625 DOI: 10.1101/2022.07.18.500430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) virus originated in wild bats from Asia, and as the resulting pandemic continues into its third year, concerns have been raised that the virus will expand its host range and infect North American wildlife species, including bats. Mexican free-tailed bats ( Tadarida brasiliensis : TABR) live in large colonies in the southern United States, often in urban areas, and as such, could be exposed to the virus from infected humans. We experimentally challenged wild TABR with SARS-CoV-2 to determine the susceptibility, reservoir potential, and population impacts of infection in this species. Of nine bats oronasally inoculated with SARS-CoV-2, five became infected and orally excreted moderate amounts of virus for up to 18 days post inoculation. These five subjects all seroconverted and cleared the virus before the end of the study with no obvious clinical signs of disease. We additionally found no evidence of viral transmission to uninoculated subjects. These results indicate that while TABR are susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 infection, infection of wild populations of TABR would not likely cause mortality. However, the transmission of SARS-CoV-2 from TABR to or from humans, or to other animal species, is a distinct possibility requiring further investigation to better define.
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Affiliation(s)
- JS Hall
- U.S. Geological Survey, National Wildlife Health Center, Madison, Wisconsin,Corresponding author
| | - E Hofmeister
- U.S. Geological Survey, National Wildlife Health Center, Madison, Wisconsin
| | - HS Ip
- U.S. Geological Survey, National Wildlife Health Center, Madison, Wisconsin
| | - SW Nashold
- U.S. Geological Survey, National Wildlife Health Center, Madison, Wisconsin
| | - AE Leon
- U.S. Geological Survey, National Wildlife Health Center, Madison, Wisconsin
| | - CM Malavé
- U.S. Geological Survey, National Wildlife Health Center, Madison, Wisconsin
| | - EA Falendysz
- U.S. Geological Survey, National Wildlife Health Center, Madison, Wisconsin
| | - TE Rocke
- U.S. Geological Survey, National Wildlife Health Center, Madison, Wisconsin
| | - M Carossino
- Louisiana Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory and Department of Pathobiological Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana
| | - U Balasuriya
- Louisiana Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory and Department of Pathobiological Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana
| | - S Knowles
- U.S. Geological Survey, National Wildlife Health Center, Madison, Wisconsin
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30
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Clark D, Antwi-Boasiako G, Brook RK, Epp T, Jenkins E, Lambert S, Soos C. Understanding and strengthening wildlife and zoonotic disease policy processes: A research imperative. Zoonoses Public Health 2022; 69:768-776. [PMID: 35822519 DOI: 10.1111/zph.12981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2021] [Revised: 05/19/2022] [Accepted: 06/04/2022] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic highlights the urgency and importance of monitoring, managing and addressing zoonotic diseases, and the acute challenges of doing so with sufficient inter-jurisdictional coordination in a dynamic global context. Although wildlife pathogens are well-studied clinically and ecologically, there is very little systematic scholarship on their management or on policy implications. The current global pandemic therefore presents a unique social science research imperative: to understand how decisions are made about preventing and responding to wildlife diseases, especially zoonoses, and how those policy processes can be improved as part of early warning systems, preparedness and rapid response. To meet these challenges, we recommend intensified research efforts towards: (i) generating functional insights about wildlife and zoonotic disease policy processes, (ii) enabling social and organizational learning to mobilize those insights, (iii) understanding epistemic instability to address populist anti-science and (iv) anticipating evolving and new zoonotic emergences, especially their human dimensions. Since policy processes for zoonoses can be acutely challenged during the early stages of an epidemic or pandemic, such insights can provide a pragmatic, empirically-based roadmap for enhancing their robustness and efficacy, and benefiting long-term decision-making efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Douglas Clark
- School of Environment & Sustainability, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
| | - Gabriel Antwi-Boasiako
- School of Environment & Sustainability, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
| | - Ryan K Brook
- College of Agriculture and Bioresources, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
| | - Tasha Epp
- Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
| | - Emily Jenkins
- Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
| | - Simon Lambert
- Department of Indigenous Studies, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
| | - Catherine Soos
- Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada.,Environment and Climate Change, Prairie and Northern Wildlife Research Centre, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
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31
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Bienzle D, Rousseau J, Marom D, MacNicol J, Jacobson L, Sparling S, Prystajecky N, Fraser E, Weese JS. Risk Factors for SARS-CoV-2 Infection and Illness in Cats and Dogs1. Emerg Infect Dis 2022; 28:1154-1162. [PMID: 35608925 PMCID: PMC9155877 DOI: 10.3201/eid2806.220423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
We tested swab specimens from pets in households in Ontario, Canada, with human COVID-19 cases by quantitative PCR for SARS-CoV-2 and surveyed pet owners for risk factors associated with infection and seropositivity. We tested serum samples for spike protein IgG and IgM in household pets and also in animals from shelters and low-cost neuter clinics. Among household pets, 2% (1/49) of swab specimens from dogs and 7.7% (5/65) from cats were PCR positive, but 41% of dog serum samples and 52% of cat serum samples were positive for SARS-CoV-2 IgG or IgM. The likelihood of SARS-CoV-2 seropositivity in pet samples was higher for cats but not dogs that slept on owners’ beds and for dogs and cats that contracted a new illness. Seropositivity in neuter-clinic samples was 16% (35/221); in shelter samples, 9.3% (7/75). Our findings indicate a high likelihood for pets in households of humans with COVID-19 to seroconvert and become ill.
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32
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Mertz L. COVID-19 in Animals: What to Fear and What to Learn. IEEE Pulse 2022; 13:19-22. [PMID: 35727749 DOI: 10.1109/mpuls.2022.3175354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
While COVID-19 Has been racing through much of the human population, the SARS-CoV-2 virus has also turned up in other mammals. This leads to many questions: Might these animals serve as reservoirs where new variants can emerge and then infect humans? Can animal surveillance identify novel variants before they appear in humans? How dangerous is COVID-19 to nonhuman animals?
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33
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Färber I, Krüger J, Rocha C, Armando F, von Köckritz-Blickwede M, Pöhlmann S, Braun A, Baumgärtner W, Runft S, Krüger N. Investigations on SARS-CoV-2 Susceptibility of Domestic and Wild Animals Using Primary Cell Culture Models Derived from the Upper and Lower Respiratory Tract. Viruses 2022; 14:v14040828. [PMID: 35458558 PMCID: PMC9032458 DOI: 10.3390/v14040828] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2022] [Revised: 04/14/2022] [Accepted: 04/14/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Several animal species are susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 infection, as documented by case reports and serological and in vivo infection studies. However, the susceptibility of many animal species remains unknown. Furthermore, the expression patterns of SARS-CoV-2 entry factors, such as the receptor angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), as well as transmembrane protease serine subtype 2 (TMPRSS2) and cathepsin L (CTSL), cellular proteases involved in SARS-CoV-2 spike protein activation, are largely unexplored in most species. Here, we generated primary cell cultures from the respiratory tract of domestic and wildlife animals to assess their susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 infection. Additionally, the presence of ACE2, TMPRSS2 and CTSL within respiratory tract compartments was investigated in a range of animals, some with unknown susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2. Productive viral replication was observed in the nasal mucosa explants and precision-cut lung slices from dogs and hamsters, whereas culture models from ferrets and multiple ungulate species were non-permissive to infection. Overall, whereas TMPRSS2 and CTSL were equally expressed in the respiratory tract, the expression levels of ACE2 were more variable, suggesting that a restricted availability of ACE2 may contribute to reduced susceptibility. Summarized, the experimental infection of primary respiratory tract cell cultures, as well as an analysis of entry-factor distribution, enable screening for SARS-CoV-2 animal reservoirs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iris Färber
- Department of Pathology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Foundation, 30559 Hannover, Germany; (I.F.); (J.K.); (F.A.); (S.R.)
| | - Johannes Krüger
- Department of Pathology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Foundation, 30559 Hannover, Germany; (I.F.); (J.K.); (F.A.); (S.R.)
| | - Cheila Rocha
- Infection Biology Unit, German Primate Center, Leibniz Institute for Primate Research, 37077 Göttingen, Germany; (C.R.); (S.P.); (N.K.)
| | - Federico Armando
- Department of Pathology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Foundation, 30559 Hannover, Germany; (I.F.); (J.K.); (F.A.); (S.R.)
| | - Maren von Köckritz-Blickwede
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, 30559 Hannover, Germany;
- Research Center for Emerging Infections and Zoonoses, University of Veterinary Medicine, Foundation, 30559 Hannover, Germany
| | - Stefan Pöhlmann
- Infection Biology Unit, German Primate Center, Leibniz Institute for Primate Research, 37077 Göttingen, Germany; (C.R.); (S.P.); (N.K.)
- Faculty of Biology and Psychology, Georg-August-University, 37073 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Armin Braun
- Fraunhofer Institute for Toxicology and Experimental Medicine ITEM, 30625 Hannover, Germany;
| | - Wolfgang Baumgärtner
- Department of Pathology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Foundation, 30559 Hannover, Germany; (I.F.); (J.K.); (F.A.); (S.R.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-511-953-8620; Fax: +49-511-953-8675
| | - Sandra Runft
- Department of Pathology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Foundation, 30559 Hannover, Germany; (I.F.); (J.K.); (F.A.); (S.R.)
| | - Nadine Krüger
- Infection Biology Unit, German Primate Center, Leibniz Institute for Primate Research, 37077 Göttingen, Germany; (C.R.); (S.P.); (N.K.)
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34
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High Seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 in White-Tailed Deer (Odocoileus virginianus) at One of Three Captive Cervid Facilities in Texas. Microbiol Spectr 2022; 10:e0057622. [PMID: 35319276 PMCID: PMC9045306 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.00576-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Free-ranging white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) across the United States are increasingly recognized for infection and transmission of SARS-CoV-2. Through a cross-sectional study of 80 deer at three captive cervid facilities in central and southern Texas, we provide evidence of 34 of 36 (94.4%) white-tailed deer at a single captive cervid facility seropositive for SARS-CoV-2 by neutralization assay (PRNT90), with endpoint titers as high as 1,280. In contrast, all tested white-tailed deer and axis deer (Axis axis) at two other captive cervid facilities were seronegative, and SARS-CoV-2 RNA was not detected in respiratory swabs from deer at any of the three facilities. These data support transmission among captive deer that cannot be explained by human contact for each infected animal, as only a subset of the seropositive does had direct human contact. The facility seroprevalence was more than double of that reported from wild deer, suggesting that the confined environment may facilitate transmission. Further exploration of captive cervids and other managed animals for their role in the epizootiology of SARS-CoV-2 is critical for understanding impacts on animal health and the potential for spillback transmission to humans or other animal taxa. IMPORTANCE As SARS-CoV-2 vaccine coverage of the human population increases and variants of concern continue to emerge, identification of the epidemiologic importance of animal virus reservoirs is critical. We found that nearly all (94.4%) of the captive white-tailed deer at a cervid facility in central Texas had neutralizing antibodies for SARS-CoV-2. This seroprevalence is over double than that which has been reported from free-ranging deer from other regions of the United States. Horizontal transmission among deer may be facilitated in confinement. Tracking new infections among wild and confined deer is critical for understanding the importance of animal reservoirs for both veterinary and human health.
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35
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Fagre AC, Cohen LE, Eskew EA, Farrell M, Glennon E, Joseph MB, Frank HK, Ryan SJ, Carlson CJ, Albery GF. Assessing the risk of human-to-wildlife pathogen transmission for conservation and public health. Ecol Lett 2022; 25:1534-1549. [PMID: 35318793 PMCID: PMC9313783 DOI: 10.1111/ele.14003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2022] [Revised: 02/22/2022] [Accepted: 03/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The SARS‐CoV‐2 pandemic has led to increased concern over transmission of pathogens from humans to animals, and its potential to threaten conservation and public health. To assess this threat, we reviewed published evidence of human‐to‐wildlife transmission events, with a focus on how such events could threaten animal and human health. We identified 97 verified examples, involving a wide range of pathogens; however, reported hosts were mostly non‐human primates or large, long‐lived captive animals. Relatively few documented examples resulted in morbidity and mortality, and very few led to maintenance of a human pathogen in a new reservoir or subsequent “secondary spillover” back into humans. We discuss limitations in the literature surrounding these phenomena, including strong evidence of sampling bias towards non‐human primates and human‐proximate mammals and the possibility of systematic bias against reporting human parasites in wildlife, both of which limit our ability to assess the risk of human‐to‐wildlife pathogen transmission. We outline how researchers can collect experimental and observational evidence that will expand our capacity for risk assessment for human‐to‐wildlife pathogen transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna C Fagre
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA.,Bat Health Foundation, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA
| | - Lily E Cohen
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York City, USA
| | - Evan A Eskew
- Department of Biology, Pacific Lutheran University, Tacoma, Washington, USA
| | - Max Farrell
- Department of Ecology & Evolutionary Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Emma Glennon
- Disease Dynamics Unit, Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Maxwell B Joseph
- Earth Lab, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, Colorado, USA
| | - Hannah K Frank
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Tulane University, New Orleans, Louisina, USA
| | - Sadie J Ryan
- Quantitative Disease Ecology and Conservation (QDEC) Lab Group, Department of Geography, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA.,Emerging Pathogens Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA.,School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Colin J Carlson
- Center for Global Health Science and Security, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, District of Columbia, USA.,Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Gregory F Albery
- Department of Biology, Georgetown University, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
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36
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Gaudreault NN, Cool K, Trujillo JD, Morozov I, Meekins DA, McDowell C, Bold D, Carossino M, Balaraman V, Mitzel D, Kwon T, Madden DW, Artiaga BL, Pogranichniy RM, Roman-Sosa G, Wilson WC, Balasuriya UBR, García-Sastre A, Richt JA. Susceptibility of sheep to experimental co-infection with the ancestral lineage of SARS-CoV-2 and its alpha variant. Emerg Microbes Infect 2022; 11:662-675. [PMID: 35105272 PMCID: PMC8881078 DOI: 10.1080/22221751.2022.2037397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is responsible for a global pandemic that has had significant impacts on human health and economies worldwide. SARS-CoV-2 is highly transmissible and the cause of coronavirus disease 2019 in humans. A wide range of animal species have also been shown to be susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 by experimental and/or natural infections. Sheep are a commonly farmed domestic ruminant that have not been thoroughly investigated for their susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2. Therefore, we performed in vitro and in vivo studies which consisted of infection of ruminant-derived cells and experimental challenge of sheep to investigate their susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2. Our results showed that sheep-derived kidney cells support SARS-CoV-2 replication. Furthermore, the experimental challenge of sheep demonstrated limited infection with viral RNA shed in nasal and oral swabs at 1 and 3-days post challenge (DPC); viral RNA was also detected in the respiratory tract and lymphoid tissues at 4 and 8 DPC. Sero-reactivity was observed in some of the principal infected sheep but not the contact sentinels, indicating that transmission to co-mingled naïve sheep was not highly efficient; however, viral RNA was detected in respiratory tract tissues of sentinel animals at 21 DPC. Furthermore, we used a challenge inoculum consisting of a mixture of two SARS-CoV-2 isolates, representatives of the ancestral lineage A and the B.1.1.7-like alpha variant of concern, to study competition of the two virus strains. Our results indicate that sheep show low susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 infection and that the alpha variant outcompeted the lineage A strain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natasha N Gaudreault
- Department of Diagnostic Medicine/Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, USA
| | - Konner Cool
- Department of Diagnostic Medicine/Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, USA
| | - Jessie D Trujillo
- Department of Diagnostic Medicine/Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, USA
| | - Igor Morozov
- Department of Diagnostic Medicine/Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, USA
| | - David A Meekins
- Department of Diagnostic Medicine/Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, USA
| | - Chester McDowell
- Department of Diagnostic Medicine/Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, USA
| | - Dashzeveg Bold
- Department of Diagnostic Medicine/Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, USA
| | - Mariano Carossino
- Louisiana Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory and Department of Pathobiological Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA, USA
| | - Velmurugan Balaraman
- Department of Diagnostic Medicine/Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, USA
| | - Dana Mitzel
- Foreign Arthropod-Borne Animal Disease Research Unit, National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility, United States Department of Agriculture, Manhattan, KS, USA
| | - Taeyong Kwon
- Department of Diagnostic Medicine/Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, USA
| | - Daniel W Madden
- Department of Diagnostic Medicine/Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, USA
| | - Bianca Libanori Artiaga
- Department of Diagnostic Medicine/Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, USA
| | - Roman M Pogranichniy
- Department of Diagnostic Medicine/Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, USA
| | - Gleyder Roman-Sosa
- Department of Diagnostic Medicine/Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, USA
| | - William C Wilson
- Foreign Arthropod-Borne Animal Disease Research Unit, National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility, United States Department of Agriculture, Manhattan, KS, USA
| | - Udeni B R Balasuriya
- Louisiana Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory and Department of Pathobiological Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA, USA
| | - Adolfo García-Sastre
- Department of Microbiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.,Global Health and Emerging Pathogens Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.,Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.,The Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA; and.,Department of Pathology, Molecular and Cell-Based Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Juergen A Richt
- Department of Diagnostic Medicine/Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, USA
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37
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First Evidence of Natural SARS-CoV-2 Infection in Domestic Rabbits. Vet Sci 2022; 9:vetsci9020049. [PMID: 35202302 PMCID: PMC8876202 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci9020049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2022] [Revised: 01/25/2022] [Accepted: 01/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
We tested 144 pet rabbits sampled in France between November 2020 and June 2021 for antibodies to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) by microsphere immunoassay. We reported the first evidence of a natural SARS-CoV-2 infection in rabbits with a low observed seroprevalence between 0.7% and 1.4%.
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38
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Miot EF, Worthington BM, Ng KH, de Lataillade LDG, Pierce MP, Liao Y, Ko R, Shum MH, Cheung WY, Holmes EC, Leung KS, Zhu H, Poon LL, Peiris MJ, Guan Y, Leung GM, Wu JT, Lam TT. Surveillance of Rodent Pests for SARS-CoV-2 and Other Coronaviruses, Hong Kong. Emerg Infect Dis 2022; 28:467-470. [PMID: 35076003 PMCID: PMC8798707 DOI: 10.3201/eid2802.211586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
We report surveillance conducted in 217 pestiferous rodents in Hong Kong for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). We did not detect SARS-CoV-2 RNA but identified 1 seropositive rodent, suggesting exposure to a virus antigenically similar to SARS-CoV-2. Potential exposure of urban rodents to SARS-CoV-2 cannot be ruled out.
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39
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SARS-CoV-2 infection in free-ranging white-tailed deer. Nature 2021; 602:481-486. [PMID: 34942632 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-021-04353-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 199] [Impact Index Per Article: 66.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2021] [Accepted: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Humans have infected a wide range of animals with SARS-CoV-2 viruses1-5, but the establishment of a new natural animal reservoir has not been observed. Here, we document that free-ranging white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) are highly susceptible to infection with SARS-CoV-2 virus, are exposed to a range of viral diversity from humans, and are capable of sustaining transmission in nature. SARS-CoV-2 virus was detected by rRT-PCR in more than one-third (129/360, 35.8%) of nasal swabs obtained from Odocoileus virginianus in northeast Ohio (USA) during January-March 2021. Deer in 6 locations were infected with 3 SARS-CoV-2 lineages (B.1.2, B.1.582, B.1.596). The B.1.2 viruses, dominant in humans in Ohio at the time, infected deer in four locations. Probable deer-to-deer transmission of B.1.2, B.1.582, and B.1.596 viruses was observed, allowing the virus to acquire amino acid substitutions in the spike protein (including the receptor-binding domain) and ORF1 that are infrequently seen in humans. No spillback to humans was observed, but these findings demonstrate that SARS-CoV-2 viruses have the capacity to transmit in US wildlife, potentially opening new pathways for evolution. There is an urgent need to establish comprehensive "One Health" programs to monitor deer, the environment, and other wildlife hosts globally.
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40
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SARS-CoV-2 exposure in wild white-tailed deer ( Odocoileus virginianus). Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2021; 118:2114828118. [PMID: 34732584 PMCID: PMC8617405 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2114828118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 153] [Impact Index Per Article: 51.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/12/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Widespread human SARS-CoV-2 infections combined with human–wildlife interactions create the potential for reverse zoonosis from humans to wildlife. We targeted white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) for serosurveillance based on evidence these deer have angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 receptors with high affinity for SARS-CoV-2, are permissive to infection, exhibit sustained viral shedding, can transmit to conspecifics, exhibit social behavior, and can be abundant near urban centers. We evaluated 624 prepandemic and postpandemic serum samples from wild deer from four US states for SARS-CoV-2 exposure. Antibodies were detected in 152 samples (40%) from 2021 using a surrogate virus neutralization test. A subset of samples tested with a SARS-CoV-2 virus neutralization test showed high concordance between tests. These data suggest white-tailed deer in the populations assessed have been exposed to SARS-CoV-2.
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41
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Gaudreault NN, Cool K, Trujillo JD, Morozov I, Meekins DA, McDowell C, Bold D, Carossino M, Balaraman V, Mitzel D, Kwon T, Madden DW, Artiaga BL, Pogranichniy RM, Roman-Sosa G, Wilson WC, Balasuriya UBR, García-Sastre A, Richt JA. Susceptibility of sheep to experimental co-infection with the ancestral lineage of SARS-CoV-2 and its alpha variant. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2021:2021.11.15.468720. [PMID: 34816258 PMCID: PMC8609893 DOI: 10.1101/2021.11.15.468720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is responsible for a global pandemic that has had significant impacts on human health and economies worldwide. SARS-CoV-2 is highly transmissible and the cause of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in humans. A wide range of animal species have also been shown to be susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 infection by experimental and/or natural infections. Domestic and large cats, mink, ferrets, hamsters, deer mice, white-tailed deer, and non-human primates have been shown to be highly susceptible, whereas other species such as mice, dogs, pigs, and cattle appear to be refractory to infection or have very limited susceptibility. Sheep (Ovis aries) are a commonly farmed domestic ruminant that have not previously been thoroughly investigated for their susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2. Therefore, we performed in vitro and in vivo studies which consisted of infection of ruminant-derived cell cultures and experimental challenge of sheep to investigate their susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2. Our results showed that sheep-derived cell cultures support SARS-CoV-2 replication. Furthermore, experimental challenge of sheep demonstrated limited infection with viral RNA shed in nasal and oral swabs primarily at 1-day post challenge (DPC), and also detected in the respiratory tract and lymphoid tissues at 4 and 8 DPC. Sero-reactivity was also observed in some of the principal infected sheep but not the contact sentinels, indicating that transmission to co-mingled naive sheep was not highly efficient; hovewer, viral RNA was detected in some of the respiratory tract tissues of sentinel animals at 21 DPC. Furthermore, we used challenge inoculum consisting of a mixture of two SARS-CoV-2 isolates, representatives of the ancestral lineage A and the B.1.1.7-like alpha variant of concern (VOC), to study competition of the two virus strains. Our results indicate that sheep show low susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 infection, and that the alpha VOC outcompeted the ancestral lineage A strain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natasha N. Gaudreault
- Department of Diagnostic Medicine/Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, USA
| | - Konner Cool
- Department of Diagnostic Medicine/Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, USA
| | - Jessie D. Trujillo
- Department of Diagnostic Medicine/Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, USA
| | - Igor Morozov
- Department of Diagnostic Medicine/Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, USA
| | - David A. Meekins
- Department of Diagnostic Medicine/Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, USA
| | - Chester McDowell
- Department of Diagnostic Medicine/Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, USA
| | - Dashzeveg Bold
- Department of Diagnostic Medicine/Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, USA
| | - Mariano Carossino
- Louisiana Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory and Department of Pathobiological Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA, USA
| | - Velmurugan Balaraman
- Department of Diagnostic Medicine/Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, USA
| | - Dana Mitzel
- Foreign Arthropod-Borne Animal Disease Research Unit, National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility, United States Department of Agriculture, Manhattan, KS, USA
| | - Taeyong Kwon
- Department of Diagnostic Medicine/Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, USA
| | - Daniel W. Madden
- Department of Diagnostic Medicine/Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, USA
| | - Bianca Libanori Artiaga
- Department of Diagnostic Medicine/Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, USA
| | - Roman M. Pogranichniy
- Department of Diagnostic Medicine/Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, USA
| | - Gleyder Roman-Sosa
- Department of Diagnostic Medicine/Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, USA
| | - William C. Wilson
- Foreign Arthropod-Borne Animal Disease Research Unit, National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility, United States Department of Agriculture, Manhattan, KS, USA
| | - Udeni B. R. Balasuriya
- Louisiana Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory and Department of Pathobiological Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA, USA
| | - Adolfo García-Sastre
- Department of Microbiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Global Health and Emerging Pathogens Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- The Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Pathology, Molecular and Cell-Based Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Juergen A. Richt
- Department of Diagnostic Medicine/Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, USA
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42
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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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43
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Ip HS, Griffin KM, Messer JD, Winzeler ME, Shriner SA, Killian ML, K. Torchetti M, DeLiberto TJ, Amman BR, Cossaboom CM, Harvey RR, Wendling NM, Rettler H, Taylor D, Towner JS, Barton Behravesh C, Blehert DS. An Opportunistic Survey Reveals an Unexpected Coronavirus Diversity Hotspot in North America. Viruses 2021; 13:v13102016. [PMID: 34696445 PMCID: PMC8539472 DOI: 10.3390/v13102016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2021] [Revised: 09/29/2021] [Accepted: 10/01/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
In summer 2020, Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) was detected on mink farms in Utah. An interagency One Health response was initiated to assess the extent of the outbreak and included sampling animals from on or near affected mink farms and testing them for SARS-CoV-2 and non-SARS coronaviruses. Among the 365 animals sampled, including domestic cats, mink, rodents, raccoons, and skunks, 261 (72%) of the animals harbored at least one coronavirus. Among the samples that could be further characterized, 127 alphacoronaviruses and 88 betacoronaviruses (including 74 detections of SARS-CoV-2 in mink) were identified. Moreover, at least 10% (n = 27) of the coronavirus-positive animals were found to be co-infected with more than one coronavirus. Our findings indicate an unexpectedly high prevalence of coronavirus among the domestic and wild free-roaming animals tested on mink farms. These results raise the possibility that mink farms could be potential hot spots for future trans-species viral spillover and the emergence of new pandemic coronaviruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hon S. Ip
- United States Geological Survey, National Wildlife Health Center, Laboratory Services Branch. Madison, WI 53711, USA; (K.M.G.); (J.D.M.); (M.E.W.); (D.S.B.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-608-270-2464
| | - Kathryn M. Griffin
- United States Geological Survey, National Wildlife Health Center, Laboratory Services Branch. Madison, WI 53711, USA; (K.M.G.); (J.D.M.); (M.E.W.); (D.S.B.)
| | - Jeffrey D. Messer
- United States Geological Survey, National Wildlife Health Center, Laboratory Services Branch. Madison, WI 53711, USA; (K.M.G.); (J.D.M.); (M.E.W.); (D.S.B.)
| | - Megan E. Winzeler
- United States Geological Survey, National Wildlife Health Center, Laboratory Services Branch. Madison, WI 53711, USA; (K.M.G.); (J.D.M.); (M.E.W.); (D.S.B.)
| | - Susan A. Shriner
- Wildlife Services, National Wildlife Research Center, United States Department of Agriculture, Fort Collins, CO 80521, USA; (S.A.S.); (T.J.D.)
| | - Mary Lea Killian
- National Veterinary Services Laboratories, Diagnostic Virology Laboratory, United States Department of Agriculture, Ames, IA 50010, USA; (M.L.K.); (M.K.T.)
| | - Mia K. Torchetti
- National Veterinary Services Laboratories, Diagnostic Virology Laboratory, United States Department of Agriculture, Ames, IA 50010, USA; (M.L.K.); (M.K.T.)
| | - Thomas J. DeLiberto
- Wildlife Services, National Wildlife Research Center, United States Department of Agriculture, Fort Collins, CO 80521, USA; (S.A.S.); (T.J.D.)
| | - Brian R. Amman
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Atlanta, GA 30329, USA; (B.R.A.); (C.M.C.); (R.R.H.); (N.M.W.); (J.S.T.); (C.B.B.)
| | - Caitlin M. Cossaboom
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Atlanta, GA 30329, USA; (B.R.A.); (C.M.C.); (R.R.H.); (N.M.W.); (J.S.T.); (C.B.B.)
| | - R. Reid Harvey
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Atlanta, GA 30329, USA; (B.R.A.); (C.M.C.); (R.R.H.); (N.M.W.); (J.S.T.); (C.B.B.)
| | - Natalie M. Wendling
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Atlanta, GA 30329, USA; (B.R.A.); (C.M.C.); (R.R.H.); (N.M.W.); (J.S.T.); (C.B.B.)
| | - Hannah Rettler
- Utah Department of Health, Salt Lake City, UT 84114, USA;
| | - Dean Taylor
- Utah Department of Agriculture and Food, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, USA;
| | - Jonathan S. Towner
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Atlanta, GA 30329, USA; (B.R.A.); (C.M.C.); (R.R.H.); (N.M.W.); (J.S.T.); (C.B.B.)
| | - Casey Barton Behravesh
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Atlanta, GA 30329, USA; (B.R.A.); (C.M.C.); (R.R.H.); (N.M.W.); (J.S.T.); (C.B.B.)
| | - David S. Blehert
- United States Geological Survey, National Wildlife Health Center, Laboratory Services Branch. Madison, WI 53711, USA; (K.M.G.); (J.D.M.); (M.E.W.); (D.S.B.)
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44
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Meekins DA, Gaudreault NN, Richt JA. Natural and Experimental SARS-CoV-2 Infection in Domestic and Wild Animals. Viruses 2021; 13:1993. [PMID: 34696423 PMCID: PMC8540328 DOI: 10.3390/v13101993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2021] [Revised: 09/22/2021] [Accepted: 09/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 is the etiological agent responsible for the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, which continues to spread with devastating effects on global health and socioeconomics. The susceptibility of domestic and wild animal species to infection is a critical facet of SARS-CoV-2 ecology, since reverse zoonotic spillover events resulting in SARS-CoV-2 outbreaks in animal populations could result in the establishment of new virus reservoirs. Adaptive mutations in the virus to new animal species could also complicate ongoing mitigation strategies to combat SARS-CoV-2. In addition, animal species susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 infection are essential as standardized preclinical models for the development and efficacy testing of vaccines and therapeutics. In this review, we summarize the current findings regarding the susceptibility of different domestic and wild animal species to experimental SARS-CoV-2 infection and provide detailed descriptions of the clinical disease and transmissibility in these animals. In addition, we outline the documented natural infections in animals that have occurred at the human-animal interface. A comprehensive understanding of animal susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 is crucial to inform public health, veterinary, and agricultural systems, and to guide environmental policies.
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Affiliation(s)
- David A. Meekins
- Department of Diagnostic Medicine/Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA; (D.A.M.); (N.N.G.)
- Center of Excellence for Emerging and Zoonotic Animal Diseases (CEEZAD), College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66502, USA
| | - Natasha N. Gaudreault
- Department of Diagnostic Medicine/Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA; (D.A.M.); (N.N.G.)
- Center of Excellence for Emerging and Zoonotic Animal Diseases (CEEZAD), College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66502, USA
| | - Juergen A. Richt
- Department of Diagnostic Medicine/Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA; (D.A.M.); (N.N.G.)
- Center of Excellence for Emerging and Zoonotic Animal Diseases (CEEZAD), College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66502, USA
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45
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Abstract
Within only one year after the first detection of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), nearly 100 million infections were reported in the human population globally, with more than two million fatal cases. While SARS-CoV-2 most likely originated from a natural wildlife reservoir, neither the immediate viral precursor nor the reservoir or intermediate hosts have been identified conclusively. Due to its zoonotic origin, SARS-CoV-2 may also be relevant to animals. Thus, to evaluate the host range of the virus and to assess the risk to act as potential animal reservoir, a large number of different animal species were experimentally infected with SARS-CoV-2 or monitored in the field in the last months. In this review, we provide an update on studies describing permissive and resistant animal species. Using a scoring system based on viral genome detection subsequent to SARS-CoV-2 inoculation, seroconversion, the development of clinical signs and transmission to conspecifics or humans, the susceptibility of diverse animal species was classified on a semi-quantitative scale. While major livestock species such as pigs, cattle and poultry are mostly resistant, companion animals appear moderately susceptible, while several model animal species used in research, including several Cricetidae species and non-human primates, are highly susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 infection. By natural infections, it became obvious that American minks (Neovison vison) in fur farms, e.g., in the Netherlands and Denmark are highly susceptible resulting in local epidemics in these animals.
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