We tested 130 rats captured in Berlin for coronaviruses. SARS-CoV-2 antibodies were detected in 1 rat, but all animals were negative by reverse transcription PCR, suggesting SARS-CoV-2 was not circulating in the rat population. However, alphacoronaviruses were found. Monitoring rodent populations helps to determine coronavirus occurrence, transmission, and zoonotic potential.
Keywords: COVID-19; Germany; PCR; SARS; SARS-CoV-2; coronavirus; coronavirus disease; molecular typing; phylogeny; rat; reservoir; respiratory infections; rodents; serology; severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2; viruses; zoonoses.