The reverse zoonotic potential of SARS-CoV-2

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Medicine
• Epidemiology
• Conservation Biology

Background:

• Emerging infectious diseases often focus on zoonotic origins (animal to human).
• Reverse zoonoses (human to animal transmission) are less studied but critical.
• The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic highlights the potential for human-to-animal pathogen spread.

Purpose of the Study:

• To underscore the significance of reverse zoonoses.
• To examine the threat of SARS-CoV-2 reverse zoonosis.
• To identify mitigation strategies for protecting wildlife and humans.

Main Methods:

• Literature review on zoonotic and reverse zoonotic disease transmission.
• Analysis of SARS-CoV-2 transmission dynamics in animal populations.
• Assessment of risks to endangered species, particularly nonhuman primates.

Main Results:

• Humans have transmitted SARS-CoV-2 to various animal species.
• The virus circulates and evolves in animal hosts.
• Nonhuman primates are highly susceptible to human respiratory infections.

Conclusions:

• Reverse zoonotic transmission of SARS-CoV-2 poses a dual threat to human and animal health.
• Resumption of global travel increases the risk of pathogen spread to wildlife.
• Implementing stringent safety measures is crucial for preventing reverse zoonoses and protecting vulnerable species.