New strain of coronavirus can infect rats, mice, ferrets and voles

Researchers said a new strain of coronavirus can infect new animals - rats, mice, ferrets and

voles.If this happens, the virus could return to the human population several times. The European Center for Disease Prevention and Control noted that transmission of the virus from these animals to humans is “very high.”

A new report from the organization notes that they need further research - they want to assess how the virus differs and may respond to vaccinations.

“The risk of these Sars-CoV-2 strains spreadingthrough animals and their products, so it is important that people avoid close contact with them. Further observations are needed to limit the spread,” said Nikolaus Kries of the European Food Safety Authority, who also contributed to the report.

In Russia, another case of infection after Sputnik V vaccination

Risk of new animals becoming sickcoronavirus and become a “reservoir” for infection has already raised concerns among scientists around the world. The World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) has urged countries to monitor susceptible animals such as mink and raccoon dogs, as well as people in close contact with them .

“The risk of converting susceptible animals suchlike the mink, in the Sars-CoV-2 repository, is of global concern as it could pose an ongoing public health risk, ”the Paris-based organization said in a statement.

Earlier, the Danish authorities decided to destroy all minkon farms after the SARS-CoV-2 mutation was found in these animals. This virus strain reduces the body's ability to produce antibodies to coronavirus, potentially reducing the effectiveness of future vaccines.

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