New evidence in favor ofThe origin of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic from market Wuhan. bring it back The New York Timeswhich reports on the results of an investigation by an international team of virologists who have allegedly found genetic data from a market In Wuhan that would allow the virus to be linked to Raccoon dogs (tanuki(in Japanese, edited) for sale there.
If confirmed, these data will bring more arguments in favor of the thesis from which the epidemic arose Wildlife trade.
The genetic data comes from swabs taken from a wholesale seafood market starting in January 2020, shortly after it was closed specifically on suspicion of being linked to the origin of a novel viral agent.
The researchers also analyzed the walls, floors, cages, and carts used to transport the cages. In the positive samples of the coronavirus, genetic material was found in large quantities consistent with the animal, a canine animal (possibly ancestor of the primitive fox) also found in Italy, which also feeds on food waste.
Confusion between virus and animal genetic material It does not prove to be infected with a raccoon dog. And even if that were the case, it would not be proven or clear whether the animal transmitted the virus to humans. Another animal could have done it or, conversely, a person infected with the virus could pass the virus on to a raccoon dog. But the analysis – reports The New York Times – decided that the raccoon, namely capable of transmitting the coronavirus, the genetic signatures are in the same place where the virus’s genetic material was left: a scenario in which the virus spread to humans from a wild animal. However, a detailed report on the research team’s findings has not been released.
“We have already seen how this virus can survive in different species – comments al Health CourierFabrizio PregliascoAssistant Professor of General and Applied Hygiene in the Department of Virology, Department of Biomedical Sciences for Health, University of Milan – In this news about a raccoon dog there is no real news, it is Another species that may have arisen from a jump in humans from SARS-CoV-2. With SARS-CoV-2, a “Pandora’s Box” of a mixture of human and animal viruses has been discovered. It’s a very large cross-species exchange that we’ve seen before with the influenza virus. From here to penalizing which of the mammals was the source of the species’ jump towards man, there is still a long way to go: the evidence backtested is so far non-existent and it is difficult to substantiate it. It is certainly another piece that underscores the importance of “one health“The health of people and the health of the ecosystem are closely linked and require global approaches and efforts, such as the core approach animal observation which must be raised to very high levels.
“Freelance social media evangelist. Organizer. Certified student. Music maven.”
