![COVID In Wildlife Endangers Emergence Of New Variant COVID In Wildlife Endangers Emergence Of New Variant](https://images.medindia.net/health-images/1200_1000/ancient-virus-reinstated.jpg)
‘Although the Covid pandemic is driven by human-to-human transmission, the SARS-CoV-2 virus is also known to infect animal species.’
Tweet it Now
It called for prioritizing monitoring of SARS-CoV-2 infection in wildlife and preventing the formation of animal reservoirs. Current knowledge also indicates that wildlife does not play a significant role in the spread of SARS-CoV-2 in humans, but spread in animal populations can affect the health of these populations and may facilitate the emergence of new virus variants.
But, besides domestic animals, free-ranging, captive or farmed wild animals such as big cats, minks, ferrets, North American white-tailed deer, and great apes have been observed to be infected with SARS-CoV-2.
In addition, farmed mink and pet hamsters have shown to be capable of infecting humans with the Covid while a potential case of transmission between white-tailed deer and a human is currently under review.
The FAO, OIE and WHO called on all countries to take steps to reduce the risk of SARS-CoV-2 transmission between humans and wildlife "with the aim of reducing the risk of variant emergence and for protecting both humans and wildlife".
Advertisement
Advertisement
While there is no evidence to back that eating meat can cause Covid, hunters should not track animals that appear sick or harvest those that are found dead, the statement read.
"Appropriate butchering and food preparing techniques, including proper hygiene practices, can limit transmission of coronaviruses, including SARS-CoV-2, and other zoonotic pathogens," it added.
The organisations also urged countries to suspend the sale of captured live wild mammals in food markets as an emergency measure.
Source-IANS