Detecting the first case of deer infecting people with Covid-19 in Canada

Canadian researchers say they have detected the first case of deer spreading the SARS-CoV-2 virus to humans.

According to The Guardian (UK), in an article published last week, Canadian scientists said they had detected at least one case of Covid-19 originating from the virus strain detected in the population. wild deer.

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To conduct the study, scientists took samples from hundreds of wild white-tailed deer in southwestern Ontario last fall. After testing and examining the deer's lymph nodes, they found 17 out of 298 deer positive for the new and very distinct strain of the SARS-CoV-2 virus.

This virus has many similarities with the virus circulating in the human population. Finlay Maguire, an assistant professor at Dalhousie University and one of the study's authors, said the virus is genetically closest to the strain from samples taken from humans and ferrets in Michigan a few years ago. 2 years.

The researchers then compared the genetic makeup of the SARS-CoV-2 virus found in deer and people with Covid-19 in the nearby area. They found a resident carrying a similar strain of the virus. This person has also had contact with deer. Although limited sample data make it difficult to fully understand the genetic relationships between virus strains, the timing and site of infection suggest that deer may be a source of the virus.

Scientists aren't sure how deer contract the virus. However, further studies of the viral variant circulating in the population here show that the mutant structure of this virus is unlikely to be able to overcome the protective barrier of the vaccine.

'It is reassuring that we have found no evidence that this strain of virus is widespread during the time it took to perform so many sampling and genetic sequencing. If we continue to monitor deer populations, we will have a much better understanding of the actual risks," said Samira Mubareka, a microbiologist and clinical scientist at Sunnybrook Health Science Center. with CBC News.

Experts have long worried the virus could infect and then mutate in certain animal species known to be viral reservoirs. However, after analyzing the genetic sequence of the virus, Public Health Canada said there was no indication that the virus had spread to humans and there was probably only one 'isolated case'.

Previously, biologists have also recorded populations of white-tailed deer with Covid-19 in the northeastern regions of the US and the central province of Canada. Although there is ample evidence that deer are not animals that can easily transmit the virus to humans, experts still speculate that the possibility of infection is still possible. They warn that broader monitoring of wildlife populations is needed to prevent new mutations from developing and spreading to humans.

'Until we have more clear information, people who hunt, trap, or work near or handle wildlife should take precautions to prevent the virus from spreading. lan', Public Health Canada said on its website.