Study Reveals SARS-CoV-2 in Common US Backyard Wildlife

Research finds COVID-19 virus present in six wildlife species, highlighting human-to-animal transmission.

Scientists detected SARS-CoV-2 in deer mice, opossums, raccoons, groundhogs, Eastern cottontails, and Eastern red bats.
The study involved 798 nasal and oral swabs and 126 blood samples from 23 species in Virginia.
High human activity areas showed three times higher virus exposure in wildlife than low human-use areas.
Genetic analysis confirmed viral mutations in wildlife, some unique and potentially impactful on humans.
Researchers emphasize the need for ongoing surveillance to understand cross-species transmission and virus evolution.