SARS-CoV-2 Surveillance in Terrestrial and Marine Mammals from 2020 to 2024 in the United States
Year: 2025
Type: conference-paper
Abstract: SARS-CoV-2 is known for its remarkable ability to infect many distantly related animal species. Natural infections of SARS-CoV-2 have been documented in over 30 animal species, including several domestic, zoo, and wild species. In addition, several marine mammals have been identified as highly susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 infection based on the homology of their ACE2 receptors to those of humans. Given the high transmissibility of SARS-CoV-2 and its prevalence in humans, there is increasing concern regarding its potential spread to new animal species that may serve as potential reservoir hosts capable of reintroducing novel variants into the human population. In this study, we conducted a comprehensive opportunistic survey for SARS-CoV-2 at the human-animal interface in several wildlife species to assess potential exposure in these populations. From 2020 to 2024, we collected 3,310 nasal, oropharyngeal, and rectal swabs and 1010 serum samples from 30 terrestrial and 19 marine mammal species through our network of wildlife clinics and rehabilitation facilities in the United States. All the swabs were tested for SARS-CoV-2 by RT-PCR, and serum samples were tested for SARS-CoV-2 antibodies using a pan-mammalian ELISA specific for the SARS-CoV-2 receptor binding domain. Only three swabs collected from white-tailed deer tested positive for SARS-CoV-2, and one sample was identified by sequencing as Omicron lineage KP.3.2.8 (BA.2-like). SARS-CoV-2 antibodies were detected in 10 terrestrial species and 4 marine mammal species, indicating widespread exposure to SARS-CoV-2 in wildlife. While the negative results for SARS-CoV-2 in the majority of wildlife species highlight the current lack of active infection, we found evidence of exposure to the virus in several species. Ultimately, these preliminary results provide baseline data that can guide the surveillance efforts needed to monitor the evolution and transmission dynamics of SARS-CoV-2 in wildlife.
Source: HAL
Authors: Idrissa Nonmon Sanogo, Puryear, Wendy, Simulynas, Alexa, Stone, Jonathon, Cox, Elena, Gurnon, Emilie, Runstadler, Jonathan
Language: English
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W7123465264