Researchers find COVID-19 virus widespread in wildlife species

Virginia Tech study finds SARS-CoV-2 in multiple wildlife populations

New research from Virginia Tech has found that the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which causes COVID-19, is widespread among wildlife species in Virginia.

The study, which was published in the journal "Nature" on July 14, 2023, found that the virus has been detected in a variety of wildlife species, including deer, raccoons, squirrels, skunks, and foxes.

The researchers say that the widespread presence of the virus in wildlife populations is a concern, as it could potentially lead to the emergence of new variants of the virus that could be more dangerous to humans.

"Our findings suggest that wildlife populations could serve as a reservoir for SARS-CoV-2," said Dr. Christopher Woods, an assistant professor in the Department of Fish and Wildlife Conservation at Virginia Tech and lead author of the study.

"This is a concern, as it could potentially lead to the emergence of new variants of the virus that could be more dangerous to humans."

The researchers say that more research is needed to understand the role that wildlife populations play in the transmission of SARS-CoV-2 to humans.

They also say that it is important to take steps to prevent the spread of the virus from wildlife to humans, such as avoiding contact with wild animals and practicing good hygiene.