Detection of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in a Zoo-Kept Red Fox (Vulpes vulpes).
Publisher DOI
PubMed ID
38675864
Abstract
Many different animal species are susceptible to SARS-CoV-2, including a few Canidae (domestic dog and raccoon dog). So far, only experimental evidence is available concerning SARS-CoV-2 infections in red foxes (Vulpes vulpes). This is the first report of SARS-CoV-2 RNA detection in a sample from a red fox. The RT-qPCR-positive fox was zoo-kept together with another fox and two bears in the Swiss Canton of Zurich. Combined material from a conjunctival and nasal swab collected for canine distemper virus diagnostics tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 RNA with Ct values of 36.9 (E gene assay) and 35.7 (RdRp gene assay). The sample was analysed for SARS-CoV-2 within a research project testing residual routine diagnostic samples from different animal species submitted between spring 2020 and December 2022 to improve knowledge on SARS-CoV-2 infections within different animal species and investigate their potential role in a One Health context. Within this project, 246 samples from 153 different animals from Swiss zoos and other wild animal species all tested SARS-CoV-2 RT-qPCR and/or serologically negative so far, except for the reported fox. The source of SARS-CoV-2 in the fox is unknown. The fox disappeared within the naturally structured enclosure, and the cadaver was not found. No further control measures were undertaken.
Date Issued
2024-03-28
Publication Type
Article
Subject(s)
Subjects
COVID-19 One Health red fox wild animal species wildlife zoo animals
Language(s)
en
Author(s)
Chan, Tatjana | |
Ginders, Julia | |
Kuhlmeier, Evelyn | |
Meli, Marina L | |
Bönzli, Eva | |
Meili, Theres | |
Hüttl, Julia | |
Hatt, Jean-Michel | |
Hindenlang Clerc, Karin | |
Kipar, Anja | |
Wyss, Fabia | |
Wenker, Christian | |
Valenzuela Agüí, Cecilia | |
Urban, Christian | |
Beisel, Christian | |
Stadler, Tanja | |
Hofmann-Lehmann, Regina |
Journal
Viruses
Publisher
MDPI
ISSN
1999-4915
Access(Rights)
open.access