Experts have warned that future outbreaks of coronavirus could be started by animals such as rabbits and hedgehogs.
The team of scientists from the University of Liverpool used a combination of biology and computer modelling to predict potential host species that were likely to be a source of these coronavirus strains.
The study finds that more mammals were potential hosts for new coronaviruses than previously thought, reports The Mirror.
The algorithm predicted that species like the common hedgehog, the European rabbit and the dromedary camel could be hosts for new coronaviruses.
It also predicted that the Asian palm civet and greater horseshoe bat would be host to 32 and 68 different coronaviruses, respectively.
The findings have been published in the journal Nature Communications.
Dr Maya Wardeh from the University of Liverpool, who led the research study, said: “We were able to predict which species had the chance for many coronaviruses to infect them.
“Either because they are very closely related or because they share the same geographical space.”
Scientists say their findings could help to prevent the next pandemic before it starts by increasing surveillance on these species known to host coronaviruses.
“It’s virtually impossible to survey all animals all the time, so our approach enables prioritisation. It says these are the species to watch.
“If we can find them before they get into humans then we could work on developing drugs and vaccines and on stopping them getting into humans in the first place.”
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