Convenience Sampling Yields No Evidence of SARS-CoV-2 Infection in Free-Ranging Mammalian Wildlife in Arizona, USA, 2021-23

J Wildl Dis. 2024 Oct 1;60(4):1016-1020. doi: 10.7589/JWD-D-23-00153.

Abstract

Susceptibility of free-ranging US wildlife to SARS-CoV-2 infection has been documented. Nasal or oral swabs and blood from 337 wild mammals (31 species) in Arizona USA, tested for antibodies and by reverse-transcription PCR, did not reveal evidence of SARS-CoV-2. Broader surveillance efforts are necessary to understand the role of wildlife.

Publication types

  • Letter
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Animals, Wild*
  • Antibodies, Viral / blood
  • Arizona / epidemiology
  • COVID-19* / epidemiology
  • COVID-19* / veterinary
  • Mammals* / virology
  • SARS-CoV-2*

Substances

  • Antibodies, Viral