A preprint article, SARS-CoV-2 infection in free-ranging white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus), published two days ago, describes SARS-CoV-2 in white-tailed deer in Ohio.
The authors from the Ohio State University, Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, and the National Institute of Health found 129 free-ranging white-tailed deer from Northeast Ohio to have SARS-CoV-2 by RT-PCR in nasal swabs.
The viruses are from three lineages (B.1.2, B.1.596, B.1.582). The viruses were obtained from January to March 2021.
There was no Alpha (B.1.1.7) or Delta (B.1.617.2) variants were obtained. The Delta variant was not yet around at that time.
The image below shows the divergence of SARS-CoV-2 variants and the distribution of the variants among the deers.
It is estimated that SARS-CoV-2 is present in 13.5% to 70% of white-tailed deer across the nine sites in Northeast Ohio.
The white-tailed deers more likely to be SARS-CoV-2 positive are males, heavier, and found in more urban sites.
Deer to deer transmission may have occurred in three locations. There were no records of deer to human spread. But human to deer transmission has been recorded during the highest virus circulation in humans.
SARS-CoV-2 infection of the deer may have happened thru human-contaminated sources like trash, backyard feeders, bait stations, and wastewater. Rodents are also likely sources.
It is unknown if SARS-CoV-2 results in clinical disease.
Transmission of SARS-CoV-2 in Animals
Natural infections of SARS-CoV-2 linked to human exposure have been seen in big cats, Asian small-clawed otters, and western lowland gorillas.
Experimental infections of SARS-CoV-2 on hamsters, North American raccoons, striped skunks, raccoon dogs, fruit bats, deer mice, domestic European rabbits, bushy-tailed woodrats, tree shrews, and multiple non-human primate species have been demonstrated.
Transmission within the same species was documented in cats, ferrets, fruit bats, hamsters, raccoon dogs, deer mice, and white-tailed deer.
Vertical transmission of mother to offspring has been suggested among white-tailed deers.
Antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 in Animals
Minks presumed to have escaped from a mink farm in Utah have tested for antibodies against SARS-CoV-2. Two free-ranging minks in Spain also tested positive.
152 white-tailed deer in Michigan, Pennsylvania, Illinois, and New York have tested positive for antibodies.
Other Animals with Potential for SARS-CoV-2 Infection
Using computer modeling, the following animals have the potential to have SARS-CoV-2 based on the number of their ACE2 receptors.
- Rodents – Rat, Mouse, Hamsters, Squirrels, Chinchilla, Gerbils, Beavers, Coypu, Gopher, Lemming, and Dormouse
- Cervids – hoofed animals of the family Cervidae – elk, moose, and the white-tailed deer
- Primates – monkeys, lemurs, gibbons, gorillas
- Cetaceans – whales
COVID Vaccination in Zoos
Since July, Zoetis has shipped several doses of its experimental COVID vaccines to zoos around the U.S. Bears, baboons, tigers are getting COVID vaccines at zoos across the U.S., according to National Geographic.
What is the meaning of SARS-CoV-2 in animals?
SARS-CoV-2 in animals creates a natural reservoir of infection. Reservoirs of infection allow the SARS-CoV-2 to persist. While in the wild, the SARS-CoV-2 will continue to spread, and new variants may develop. Eventually, spillback can happen to livestock and humans in the future.
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Reference:
Hale et al. SARS-CoV-2 infection in free-ranging white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus).
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