An Analysis on SARS-CoV2 in Wildlife
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Date
2021-11
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Abstract
Novel Coronavirus changed the world in many aspects. Researchers were pushed to not only learn about the mechanisms behind the virus' functions, but to develop ways to prevent the virus from functioning, as well. It is widely believed that Covid-19 arose from some form of wildlife, and since the beginning of the pandemic, the virus has been detected in more and more animals. The eSCOUT project at Ohio State is an environmental surveillance program that screens wildlife in Ohio for SARS-CoV-2 in order to assess the potential for spillover events from animals to humans. A portion of the project is devoted to modeling the potential for viral spread among animal populations in Ohio, with particular focus on deer (Odocoileus virginianus) and mink (Neovison vison), which are known to harbor SARS-CoV-2. The MAXENT package in the R software was used to pair occurrence data from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility with climate data from WorldClim to predict the likelihood that a particular species will be found at a given location, creating a predicted distribution of animal occurrence throughout the state. Using this as a framework, infectious outbreaks among animal populations were simulated in parts of the state, and the spread of infected animals throughout the state was predicted. These results can help guide public action to avoid contact with animals that are at increased risk of infection with SARS-C0V-2, in the hope of preventing future spillover events.
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SARS-CoV2, Wildlife, Biology, Statistics