China is back in the global spotlight after the discovery of 125 viruses, some capable of infecting humans, including seven new variants of COVID-19, according to a study published by the journal NatureThis finding has raised concerns about its potential impact on global public health.
China discovers 125 new viruses, including seven COVID variants with potential for transmission to humans
The scientific study revealed that of the 125 viruses identified, at least 36 were previously unknown, and 39 present a “high risk” of transmission between species, including the possibility of zoonotic transmission, that is, from animals to humans.
Seven New COVID-19 Variants
The most alarming discovery includes seven new variants of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which have the ability to expand their host range, remaining longer in the bodies of the organisms they infect, increasing the likelihood of transmission. One of these variants was found in the respiratory system of dogs, initially transmitted by raccoons, similar to the HKU5 virus circulating in bats.
The study also reports three subtypes of influenza A detected in animals such as guinea pigs, minks and muskrats, which reinforces the concern about possible transmission between farm animals and wild animals.
Study Methodology
The research was carried out by analysing the genetic material of the lungs and intestines of 461 animals from a fur farm in China. The animals studied included minks, foxes, rabbits and dogs from livestock farms, many of which died between 2021 and 2024 from diseases contracted on the farms.
Although the World Health Organization (WHO) has not yet issued an official statement on the possible risks of contagion, the discovery has raised alarms in the scientific community, which continues to monitor the situation to prevent possible outbreaks in the future.
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