Scientists have discovered six new coronaviruses in bats that are in the same family as the SARS-CoV2 virus that’s behind the worldwide pandemic.
The team, from the Smithsonian’s Global Health Programme, discovered the coronaviruses in bats in Myanmar, marking the first time that these viruses have been detected anywhere in the world.
While it remains unclear whether the viruses are at risk of infecting humans, the researchers hope the findings will help to improve coronavirus detection, prevention and response.
Marc Valitutto, who led the study, said: “Viral pandemics remind us how closely human health is connected to the health of wildlife and the environment.
"Worldwide, humans are interacting with wildlife with increasing frequency, so the more we understand about these viruses in animals - what allows them to mutate and how they spread to other species - the better we can reduce their pandemic potential.”
In the study, the researchers collected more than 750 saliva and faecal samples from bats in Myanmar.
An analysis of these samples identified six new coronaviruses, as well as one coronavirus that’s previously been found in Southeast Asia.
Thankfully, the new viruses don’t appear to be closely related to SARS CoV-1, MERS, or the current SARS CoV-2.
However, it remains unclear whether or not the new coronaviruses could spillover to other species - including humans.
Suzan Murray, co-author of the study, explained: “Many coronaviruses may not pose a risk to people, but when we identify these diseases early on in animals, at the source, we have a valuable opportunity to investigate the potential threat.
“Vigilant surveillance, research and education are the best tools we have to prevent pandemics before they occur."
