SARS-CoV-2 and natural infection in animals

Abstract

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) is the causative agent of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, which has caused serious challenges for public health systems worldwide. Due to the close relationship between animals and humans, confirmed transmission from humans to numerous animal species has been reported. Understanding the cross-species transmission of SARS-CoV-2 and the infection and transmission dynamics of SARS-CoV-2 in different animals is crucial to control COVID-19 and protect animal health. In this review, the possible animal origins of SARS-CoV-2 and animal species naturally susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 infection are discussed. Furthermore, this review categorizes the SARS-CoV-2 susceptible animals by families, so as to better understand the relationship between SARS-CoV-2 and animals.

Keywords: COVID-19; SARS-CoV-2; animals; natural infection.

Figure 1

Transmission of SARS‐CoV‐2 in animals. Possible sources of SARS‐CoV‐2 and animal species naturally infected with SARS‐CoV‐2 are listed. Species in the left box can be infected with SARS‐CoV‐2 by positive human patients, and the origins of infection of the species in the right box are not yet clear. The solid black arrows indicate the transmission route of the virus. The red dash line circles indicate that the infected animals can transmit virus between members of the same species. A red dashed arrow indicates that cross‐species transmission has been confirmed, or that there is research showing that cross‐species transmission may occur but has not been confirmed. SARS‐CoV‐2, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus‐2.