Wild Ohio white-tailed deer: World’s first deer to get infected with COVID-19

The coronavirus is not just affecting humans but, is spreading across the animal kingdom. The US reported its first case in deer on Friday. Read to know more about COVID-19 in animals.

COVID-19 in animals: All about the first infection in deer

The US Department of Agriculture reported the first-ever infection of SARS-CoV-2, in wild white-tailed deer in Ohio, according to the official statement. However, it does not entail details about the deer showing COVID-19 symptoms. “We do not know how the deer were exposed to SARS-CoV-2. It’s possible they were exposed through people. The environment, other deer, or another animal species,” said Lyndsay Cle, a spokeswoman for the USDA.

The USDA reported that white-tailed deers in Michigan, Illinois, Pennsylvania, and New York have contacted the COVID-19 virus. The report is based on serum analysis of free-ranging deer. The College of Veterinary Medicine from Ohio State University collected samples from the infected deer. Samples collected between January and March were a part of another study. The sample tested positive from university tests. The USDA National Veterinary Sciences Laboratory later confirmed the same.

More animals carry the COVID-19 virus

Reports of covid-19 in animals have been pouring in from across the world. According to the agency, most animal species that have close contact with humans have contracted the virus. Moreover, the USDA has previous reports of the SARS-CoV-2 infection in other animals including minks, cats, dogs, lions, gorillas, snow leopards, tigers, and otters.

Can animals transfer the virus to humans? “At this time, there is no evidence that animals play a significant role in spreading SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, to people. More studies are important in understanding if and how different animals face the SARS-CoV-2 infection,” stated health officials from CDC.