COVID-19 Virus Found Widespread in U.S. Wildlife

Research conducted by Virginia Tech has found that SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for COVID-19, is widespread among various wildlife species. The study detected the virus in six common backyard species, including deer mice, Virginia opossums, raccoons, groundhogs, Eastern cottontail rabbits, and Eastern red bats. Antibodies indicating prior exposure to the virus were found in five species, with exposure rates ranging from 40% to 60%.

The highest exposure rates were observed in animals near hiking trails and high-traffic public areas, suggesting the virus may have passed from humans to wildlife. Genetic tracking revealed unique viral mutations in these animals, which could potentially complicate vaccine development. Despite these findings, researchers found no evidence of the virus being transmitted from animals to humans. The study underscores the need for ongoing surveillance to monitor these mutations and better understand virus transmission dynamics among wildlife.