COVID-19 Is Now Widespread in U.S. Wildlife

SARS-CoV-2 virus Found in Backyard Species

Study Reveals Virus's Reach Beyond Humans

Researchers have discovered that the virus responsible for COVID-19, SARS-CoV-2, is widespread in wildlife species in the United States. A new study has detected the virus in six common backyard species, including squirrels, raccoons, and opossums.

The study, published in the journal "Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences," tested animals from 23 common Virginia species for both active infections and antibodies indicating prior exposure to the virus. The results revealed that the virus was present in six species: eastern gray squirrels, southern flying squirrels, raccoons, striped skunks, opossums, and white-footed mice.

This discovery suggests that the virus has been silently circulating in wildlife populations for some time, potentially creating a reservoir for future spillover events into humans. Further research is needed to understand the implications of this finding and to develop strategies to mitigate the risk of transmission between wildlife and people.