“Life before” has definitely resumed. But if Covid-19 will soon be no more dangerous than seasonal flu, then the origin of this virus that appeared in Wuhan is still unknown. Blaming the pangolin, and then the bat, the experts became interested in the new animal. According to information published this Thursday, March 16 at Atlantic Ocean by an international team, new genetic data will prove that the pandemic is linked to raccoon dogs. TF1info explains what we know about this strange creature at the base of all suspicions.
Animal carrier of disease
Physically, these stocky mammals have everything a raccoon has. But while they wear a black mask around their eyes, their fur is brown, earning them the nickname “marten dog,” and their tails are solid. Because in fact, raccoon dogs are part of the canids, like all domestic dogs. Closely related to foxes, these animals are monogamous and hibernate, unlike other members of their family. Their vocalization is very high, like that of a cat.
Native to East Asia, they are bred in these regions for their fur. China is also one of the main producers of raccoon dog skins. An NGO report on the subject shows that over 14 million skins were produced in the country in 2014. These omnivores, which feed on rodents and berries, are also sold for their meat, particularly in the Wuhan market, which many virologists call the home of Covid-19. Thus, the reports prove that until November 2019, raccoon dogs were illegally traded in the market.
- Origin of Covid-19: Wuhan Lab Theory Surprises
However, as with domestic dogs, these animals are known to carry diseases such as rabies. Moreover, in Europe, the raccoon dog is officially considered an invasive alien species, and its spread is considered a threat to public health. In addition, laboratory experiments have proven that these mammals can transmit Covid-19.
- Origin of Covid-19: Wuhan Lab Theory Surprises
However, although the genetic data of samples taken from the Wuhan market show a large amount of genetic material from raccoon dogs, this does not mean that researchers have found the host animal that caused the first outbreak of human transmission of the virus. As the WHO chief summed up on Friday “These data do not provide a definitive answer as to where the pandemic began, but every nugget of information is important to get us closer to that answer.” For example, it is possible that people present at the market have infected raccoon dogs or left traces of the virus near the animals. Much analysis remains to be done. Like the lab virus hypothesis, time for precaution. More than three years after the first contamination, the mystery remains untouched.
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Source: TF1