SARS-CoV-2 exposure in Norwegian rats (Rattus norvegicus) from New York City, a recent study provided this information.
The global new coronavirus pandemic has been underway for more than three years.
The COVID-19 virus, according to several medical professionals, originated in Chinese bats. Following that, further research shows that other animals might also harbor it appeared.
COVID-19 Mutations
Rodents in New York City are said to possess various COVID-19 variations, according to a recent article on a new study. These rats may also have COVID-19 mutations, according to the researchers involved.
Nearly 16% of rats in NYC had antibodies to the novel coronavirus, according to a recent study by Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory.
As part of their investigation, experts looked at 79 rats from Norway. 13 of these animals had positive IgM or IgG tests.
The SARS-CoV-2 partial genomes were present in four of the rats. Along with these facts, the current study also demonstrated that the rats had Omicron, Delta, and Alpha forms of the virus.
Officials from New York City expressed their worries since the new study is disturbing. They want to know if COVID-19 variant-carrying rats can spread the disease to people.
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New York Experts Raise Concern Over Rats
Recent research has demonstrated that the virus can be transmitted from animal to person, which has led to their fears. According to the authors of the current study, there is a possibility that these rats could infect people and other animals.
The researchers noted that their findings highlight the possible risk of secondary zoonotic transmission from urban rats and the necessity for continued SARS-CoV-2 monitoring in those populations.
In other reports, scientists expressed alarm over the potential for a fourth COVID-19 wave in New South Wales and are now urging the setup of WFH. The largest electronics wholesale market in the world previously shut down due to new COVID-19 cases.
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