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Experts warn that whales, dolphins and seals are “ highly susceptible ” to COVID-19 infections that could cause life-threatening liver and lung damage in endangered animals
- The researchers examined how much various marine mammals are at risk for the coronavirus
- Many found may be more susceptible to infections than people
- Warns that animals in the oceans may be infected with human wastewater
Marine mammals such as whales and dolphins are at risk of contracting the coronavirus from human wastewater, a study warns.
It is known that SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes Covid-19, is able to pass from one species to another, originally infecting humans via bats and even jumping on minks, dogs and other land animals.
Researchers at Dalhousie University in Canada now say water-based mammals are also susceptible, potentially more vulnerable than people to the virus.
Previous studies have shown that the coronavirus remains contagious in wastewater and that improperly treated waste entering the oceans could pose a risk to these animals.
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Marine mammals such as whales and dolphins are at risk of contracting coronavirus from human wastewater, study warns
In the photo, the 15 marine mammal species thought to be at risk of SARS-CovV-2 infection via their ACE2 receptor. Some are highly endangered
The researchers studied the genomes of 36 marine mammals and assessed the likelihood that they could be infected with SARS-CoV-2.
They found that at least 15 marine mammal species could be infected with the coronavirus via their ACE2 receptor.
The ACE2 receptor is a protein that protrudes from the surface of some cells. A spike on the viral surface attaches to this and infiltrates the cell, allowing for infection.
Of the 35 species studied, 21 were whales, dolphins or porpoises. Of these, 18 are believed to be at risk of infection, if not more, than humans.
Graham Dellaire, director of research at the Dalhousie Department of Pathology, says, “Many of these species are either threatened or critically endangered.
“In the past, these animals have been infected with related coronaviruses that have caused both mild illness and life-threatening liver and lung damage.”
Saby Mathavarajah, co-author of the report, says there are many places in the world where wastewater is treated incorrectly.
“Monitoring sensitive species in these high-risk areas around the world will be beneficial for the protection of wildlife during and after the pandemic,” he adds.
Of the 35 species studied, 21 were whales, dolphins or porpoises. Of these, 18 are believed to be at risk of infection, if not more, than humans
There are no known cases of SARS-CoV-2 in marine mammals, but both dolphins and beluga whales have been infected with related coronaviruses in the past.
And since most marine mammals are social, it’s also possible for coronaviruses to spread among animals through close contact, putting entire populations at risk.
Findings from the journal Science of the Total Environment raise concerns that the coronavirus could devastate the entire animal kingdom.
Experts have previously warned that even if a vaccine and treatment for Covid-19 is found, if animals can become infected, they can act as reservoirs for the disease.
A recent study found that dozens of animals that regularly come into close contact with humans are susceptible to coronavirus infection.
A total of 28 species have been identified as vulnerable to SARS-CoV-2, the same virus that causes the Covid-19 pandemic in humans.
Outside of a home setting, researchers at University College London (UCL) have found that animals in zoos (gorillas, polar bears and chimpanzees) and on the farm (goats, donkeys and horses) can also be infected with the coronavirus.
While it was already known that cats and dogs are at risk of infection, the latest research also reveals that guinea pigs, rabbits and hamsters are too.
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