06-10-2020

According to a recent study published in the journal Scientific Reports, there is a growing body of evidence that at least 26 different species of animals regularly in contact with humans are vulnerable to the novel coronavirus.

For the study, the researchers examined how the spike protein from SARS-CoV-2 could interact with the ACE2 protein it attaches to when it infects people.The researchers through their study investigated whether coronavirus mutations could target the ACE2 receptors in 215 different animals. And, whether the binding of the virus to the receptor is stable or not.The researchers said it is unlikely based on current evidence that the virus could infect an animal if it cannot form a stable binding complex with ACE2.

Lead author Professor Christine Orengo (UCL Structural & Molecular Biology) said in an official statement: �We wanted to look beyond just the animals that had been studied experimentally, to see which animals might be at risk of infection, and would warrant further investigation and possible monitoring.�He added, �The animals we identified may be at risk of outbreaks that could threaten endangered species or harm the livelihoods of farmers. The animals might also act as reservoirs of the virus, with the potential to re-infect humans later on, as has been documented on mink farms.�

The researchers found that most birds, fish, and reptiles do not appear to be at risk of infection but the majority of the mammals they reviewed could potentially be infected.