As the world continues to grapple with COVID-19, scientists are turning their attention to the spread of SARS-CoV-2 in animals, which has the potential to evolve independently and possibly trigger new outbreaks. A recent study identifies several animal species that could act as sentinels for monitoring the re-emergence of COVID-19 or the rise of similar diseases.

The Study: Investigating Animal Hosts of SARS-CoV-2 Researchers analyzed SARS-CoV-2 genomic data from both humans and various nonhuman mammals to understand how the virus behaves in different species. The study focused on taxonomic groups including species, genus, family, and order, examining how closely the viruses in animals resembled human-origin strains.

Key Findings: Which Animals Are at Risk? The results reveal that certain domesticated animals and wildlife closely mirror human-origin strains of SARS-CoV-2, making them important for monitoring:

• Domestic Dogs (Canis lupus familiaris)

• Domestic Cats (Felis catus)

• Mink (Neovison vison)

• White-Tailed Deer (Odocoileus virginianus)

These animals' viral strains showed little difference in amino acid composition compared to human SARS-CoV-2 strains, but had several sites under positive selection, making them potential reservoirs for new variants of the virus.

However, the study also found that viruses from certain other animals differed significantly from human strains, highlighting their importance for long-term surveillance:

• Lions (Panthera leo)

• Pangolins (Manis)

• Bats (Rhinolophus)

These species could harbor viruses that evolve differently from the strains seen in humans, increasing the risk of a future outbreak of a COVID-19-like disease.

Critical Mutation Sites: Predicting New Variants The study highlights the importance of monitoring specific mutation sites within the S protein of the virus, particularly sites 142, 501, 655, 681, and 950. Variations in these locations could help predict the emergence of novel SARS-CoV-2 variants in animals, which could potentially jump back to humans.

Conclusion: The Need for Ongoing Animal Surveillance The study underscores the need for ongoing surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 in both domestic and wild animals. Close monitoring of species like domestic dogs, cats, mink, and white-tailed deer is crucial to prevent the re-emergence of COVID-19 or the rise of new variants. In addition, long-term surveillance of wildlife species such as lions, pangolins, and bats could be essential in stopping future outbreaks before they begin.

This research highlights the interconnectedness of human and animal health and the need for a "One Health" approach to prevent future pandemics. By keeping a close eye on how SARS-CoV-2 evolves in animals, we may be able to stay one step ahead of the virus and protect both humans and animals from future threats.

Read full study here: Study on sentinel hosts for surveillance of future COVID-19-like outbreaks