Covid scientist warns the world of deadly virus found in two animals in China

economictimes.indiatimes.com:

Nature has shed light on the potential dangers posed by animals farmed for fur, food, or traditional medicine. Species such as raccoon dogs, mink, and muskrats, which are commonly farmed for their fur, have been found to harbor numerous viruses, some of which could pose significant risks to human health. The study's findings suggest that these animals could serve as reservoirs for emerging pathogens, potentially sparking new pandemics.

Researchers collected samples from 461 individual animals found dead due to disease on fur farms across China between 2021 and 2024. These animals included minks, raccoon dogs, foxes, guinea pigs, and rabbits. The team examined tissues from the lungs, intestines, and other organs of these animals, searching for viral pathogens. Their investigation revealed a startling 125 different viruses, 36 of which were novel. Even more concerning was that 39 of these viruses were classified as high-risk, meaning they had the potential for cross-species transmission, including to humans.

Among the viruses detected, several types of influenza A virus were found in guinea pigs, minks, and muskrats, including H1N2, H5N6, and H6N2. Additionally, multiple coronaviruses were identified, expanding the known host range of these viruses. Seven different species of coronaviruses were detected though none were closely related to SARS-CoV-2, which causes Covid.

'Alarm bell' virus

One of the most concerning discoveries was the detection of the «Pipistrellus bat HKU5-like virus» in two minks, according to