In North America, the Covid pathogen SARS-CoV-2 has spread from humans to white-tailed deer. A German-Austrian research team has now shown that this is clearly not the case here and in Germany. All deer, red deer and fallow deer tested in these two countries reacted negatively to SARS-CoV-2 antibodies, the scientists report.
Human-to-deer transmission of the coronavirus in the United States and Canada has been classified as concerning. Finally, infection with the human-derived variants of SARS-CoV-2 has been shown to be widespread in the total population of white-tailed deer in North America, and there is early evidence that the virus can be transmitted from animals to humans. The deer are therefore regarded as a reservoir for the virus, in which new variants can also arise.
Sera from 433 roe deer and deer were analysed
Scientists from the Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research (Leibniz-IZW), the Research Institute for Wildlife Ecology at the University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna and other institutions have now examined sera from 433 deer, red deer and fallow deer for corona antibodies. The samples were collected before and during the pandemic. None of the deer species from Germany or Austria were positive.
The team also analyzed details of the cellular SARS-CoV-2 receptor (ACE2 gene) in deer. With the exception of one change that may make red deer somewhat more resistant to infection, there were no differences in the receptor that could explain the drastic difference in the results between Central European and North American deer.
The researchers cite the distribution and management of deer species in the two regions as a possible explanation for the differences. In North America, deer are commonly found in suburban areas and cities, where they may have frequent contact with humans and their detritus. In addition, the management of the animals is mainly performed by the authorities of the US and Canadian federal governments.
In contrast, in Germany and Austria, the different species of deer are generally not found in the suburbs or in urban areas. In addition, because of the prevailing territorial system, the animals in a certain area are managed locally. This can prevent human-animal contact and also hinder the spread of pathogens within and between populations.
Prevent contact between people and nature
For Alex Greenwood of the Leibniz-IZW: “Every effort must be made to avoid contact between humans and wildlife in Central Europe, so that deer do not establish themselves as a SARS-CoV-2 reservoir,” he is quoted as saying on a broadcast.
Source: Krone
I’m Wayne Wickman, a professional journalist and author for Today Times Live. My specialty is covering global news and current events, offering readers a unique perspective on the world’s most pressing issues. I’m passionate about storytelling and helping people stay informed on the goings-on of our planet.
