Rats Can Carry COVID-19, New Study Shows

Rats Can Carry COVID-19, New Study Shows

Rats Can Carry COVID-19, , New Study Shows .

'The Independent' reports that a new study conducted on wild rats in New York City found that the animal could be infected with the Alpha, Delta and Omicron variants.

'The Independent' reports that a new study conducted on wild rats in New York City found that the animal could be infected with the Alpha, Delta and Omicron variants.

The research was published in the 'American Society for Microbiology.'.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture and Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service conducted a search for evidence of infection in 79 test samples.

Rats used in the study were mostly trapped in city parks in Brooklyn, while others were captured near buildings.

Researchers found that , 13 out of 79 rats , tested positive for COVID-19.

The results also showed, “high replication levels in the upper and lower respiratory tracts and induction of both innate and adaptive immune responses”.

To the best of our knowledge, this is one of the first studies to show SARS-CoV-2 variants can cause infections in the wild rat populations in a major U.S. urban area, Dr. Henry Wan, professor and director of the Center for Influenza and Emerging Infectious Diseases at the University of Missouri, via 'The Independent'.

Our findings highlight the need for further monitoring of SARS-CoV-2 in rat populations for potential secondary zoonotic transmission to humans, Dr. Henry Wan, professor and director of the Center for Influenza and Emerging Infectious Diseases at the University of Missouri, via 'The Independent'.

Overall, our work in this space shows that animals can play a role in pandemics that impact humans, and it’s important that we continue to increase our understanding so we can protect both human and animal health, Dr. Henry Wan, professor and director of the Center for Influenza and Emerging Infectious Diseases at the University of Missouri, via 'The Independent'.

Overall, our work in this space shows that animals can play a role in pandemics that impact humans, and it’s important that we continue to increase our understanding so we can protect both human and animal health, Dr. Henry Wan, professor and director of the Center for Influenza and Emerging Infectious Diseases at the University of Missouri, via 'The Independent'.

'The Independent' reports that New York City is home to an estimated eight million wild rats.