is it possible for everything to start all over again? Let’s hope not. This time it won’t be the bats’ fault. The new coronavirus in rodents is spreading in Sweden these days. It appears in rats, mice and voles. These can also be carriers of viruses that are sometimes able to jump to our own species.
New virus
Alarm bells are beginning to ring in Sweden over a new coronavirus. Among red voles, researchers have identified a coronavirus. They named it the Grimso virus.
At the moment, it is not known whether the newly found virus is in any way dangerous to humans. For now, the findings are published in Viruses. They are a good reminder of why we need to monitor wildlife viruses. Especially those carried by animals that live in close proximity to us.
“We don’t yet know what potential threats Grimso virus may pose to public health. We made observations to previous coronaviruses identified among voles. There are good reasons to continue to monitor coronavirus among wild rodents.” This is stated by virologist Ake Lundkvist of Uppsala University in Sweden.
Habitats destroyed
In recent years, there is a clear trend. It is a dramatic increase in infectious diseases that can be linked to small mammals, such as rodents. Research into the ecology of these animal hosts is vital. Future outbreaks could be prevented.
These animals seek refuge from adverse weather conditions. They take up residence in dwellings and this increases the risk of us contracting a disease, warns Science Alert.
Other studies warn of human exploitation of wild spaces. It directly increases the risk of animal diseases spreading to humans. The new coronavirus in rodents can be spread by that cause. Destruction of natural habitats of different species is fatal. It can lead to new coronaviruses taking up residence directly in our homes.
