[Source]
A new study published in the journal Cell is supporting the theory that COVID-19 emerged from wildlife trade at Huanan Seafood Market in Wuhan, China.
Based on over 800 surface samples collected in early 2020, the research found genetic material from raccoon dogs, bamboo rats, civets and other wildlife in areas heavily contaminated with the virus, suggesting these animals could have been infected and transmitted SARS-CoV-2 — the coronavirus that causes COVID-19 — to humans.
Speaking to AFP, co-author and evolutionary biologist Florence Debarre explained that while they cannot ascertain whether the animals at the market were infected or not, their research confirms that there were wild animals in the southwest corner of the market at the end of 2019, which is also an area where “a lot” of SARS-CoV-2 was detected. Additionally, both the virus’ “A” and “B” lineages that circulated early in the pandemic were detected in market samples. Despite ongoing debates about a lab leak — the other main origin theory — all available data point toward a spillover event that likely occurred at the market, Debarre said.
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