A study of more than 450 furry animals in China has revealed dozens of new viruses and cross-species transmission, including some with a high risk of spread to humans.
Research published in the latest issue of Nature shows that raccoon dogs and mink harbor the highest number of potentially high-risk viruses, some of which are closely related to viruses previously found only in bats. It also contained a related mink virus.
Of the 28 species sampled, most of the animals were raised for fur, meat, or medicine, and all died.
“Fur farming represents an important transmission site for viral zoonotic diseases,” the study authors said, adding that some viruses have already been transmitted to humans.
Scientists from several Chinese universities and abroad also participated in the study, including virologist Edward Holmes from the University of Sydney.
In early 2020, Holmes helped Shanghai virologist Zhang Yongzhen publish the first genome sequence of Sars-CoV-2, the coronavirus strain that causes Covid-19. By sharing data with the international community, they helped speed up vaccine development as the pandemic raged on.
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