Since the beginning of the Corona epidemic, China has been in the eyes of the world regarding the spread of the virus. Many media reports have been claiming that SARS-CoV-2 (novel coronavirus) spread from China itself. Now once again frightening information is coming out from China. A recent study has identified hundreds of such viruses in China's fur farms that can pose a serious threat to humans.
Researchers have identified about 125 types of viruses in animals from fur farms, of which 36 viruses are completely new and scientists are also unaware of them. 39 types of viruses are at high risk of infecting animals and humans and causing serious diseases.
Based on this study led by Chinese researchers, virologist Edward Holmes has emphasized the urgent need to increase virus surveillance. Scientists say that if these viruses spread, they can cause major problems globally. After the coronavirus, China has once again come under the target of the world.
Many new types of viruses detected
This research, published in the journal Nature, examined about 461 animals from 2021 to 2024, including domestic and wild animals. Scientists said that the viruses detected in the farms include hepatitis E, Japanese encephalitis, and 13 new types of viruses.
Virologist Edward Holmes has expressed concern over the role of fur farms in the spread of dangerous viruses and advised to shut down this industry immediately. Holmes said strict measures are required to prevent future outbreaks.
Dangerous virus is spreading
According to the study report, among the viruses identified, the Pipistrellus Bat HKU5-like virus, which was previously found in bats, has now been found in minks as well. It resembles the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) coronavirus, which can prove fatal to humans. Holmes warned that its transmission from bats to minks should be seen as a serious warning. If effective measures are not taken in time, we may have to face a situation of infection more dangerous than corona.
What does the report say?
The findings of the study suggest that fur farms can provide a convenient medium for the transmission of viruses between animals and humans. Researchers detected seven types of coronaviruses along with the bird flu virus in animals such as guinea pigs, minks, and muskrats, although none of them were related to SARS-CoV 2. Scientists consider raccoon dogs and minks as the most likely medium of transmission of dangerous viruses.
There may be a risk of the next global outbreak
It is worth noting that Denmark exterminated the entire mink population in 2020 due to concerns about COVID-19, but mink farming was later resumed. Holmes and other experts emphasize that fur farms could spark the next global outbreak. It is important to take this warning seriously at the global level and implement policies to reduce the risks posed by fur farming, otherwise, the world may face many pandemics in the future.
(PC: ISTOCK)
