Molecular surveillance of potential SARS-CoV-2 reservoir hosts in wildlife rehabilitation centers. Issue 1 (31st December 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Mena, Juan; Hidalgo, Christian; Estay-Olea, Daniela; Sallaberry-Pincheira, Nicole; Bacigalupo, Antonella; Rubio, André V.; Peñaloza, Diego; Sánchez, Carolina; Gómez-Adaros, Javiera; Olmos, Valeria; Cabello, Javier; Ivelic, Kendra; Abarca, María José; Ramírez-Álvarez, Diego; Torregrosa Rocabado, Marisol; Durán Castro, Natalia; Carreño, Martina; Gómez, Gabriela; Cattan, Pedro E.; Ramírez-Toloza, Galia; Robbiano, Sofía; Marchese, Carla; Raffo, Eduardo; Stowhas, Paulina; Medina-Vogel, Gonzalo; Landaeta-Aqueveque, Carlos; Ortega, René; Waleckx, Etienne; Gónzalez-Acuña, Daniel; Rojo, Gemma
• Is Part Of: Veterinary quarterly. Volume 43:Issue 1(2023)
• Page Start: 1
• Page End: 10
• Publication Date: 2023-12-31
• Subjects: Chile -- wildlife conservation -- wildlife rehabilitation centers -- COVID-19 -- SARS-CoV-2; Veterinary medicine -- Periodicals; Veterinary Medicine; Veterinary medicine -- Periodicals; Veterinary research -- Periodicals; Veterinary medicine; Periodicals; Periodicals; 636.089
• DOI: 10.1080/01652176.2023.2164909
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0165-2176

Abstract

Abstract: Background: The COVID-19 pandemic, caused by SARS-CoV-2 infection, has become the most devastating zoonotic event in recent times, with negative impacts on both human and animal welfare as well as on the global economy. Although SARS-CoV-2 is considered a human virus, it likely emerged from animals, and it can infect both domestic and wild animals. This constitutes a risk for human and animal health including wildlife with evidence of SARS-CoV-2 horizontal transmission back and forth between humans and wild animals. Aim: Molecular surveillance in different wildlife rehabilitation centers and wildlife associated institutions in Chile, which are critical points of animal-human interaction and wildlife conservation, especially since the aim of wildlife rehabilitation centers is to reintroduce animals to their original habitat. Materials and Methods: The survey was conducted in six WRCs and three wildlife associated institutions. A total of 185 samples were obtained from 83 individuals belonging to 15 different species, including vulnerable and endangered species. Each specimen was sampled with two different swabs: one oropharyngeal or nasopharyngeal according to the nostril diameter, and/or a second rectal sample. RNA was extracted from the samples and two different molecular assays were performed: first, a conventional RT-PCR with pan-coronavirus primers and a second SARS-CoV-2 qPCR targeting the N and S genes. Results: All 185 samples were negative for SARS-CoV-2. Clinical relevance: This study constitutes the first report on the surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 from wildlife treated in rehabilitation centers in Chile, and supports the biosafety procedures adopted in those centers.