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13 of 79 rats caught in New York City last fall tested positive for Covid 19 infections, according to a study recently released by the University of Missouri. The scientific community is concerned about the risk of zoonotic transmission.
“Yes, there is the possibility of transmission of Covid from rats to humans and more than anything, it is not so much due to a bite, much less, but due to the large number of these animals that exist and which has been very difficult to control, especially in the New York area,” comments Dr. Joseph Varon, a lung disease specialist.
Norway rats inhabit the New York City sewage system, where evidence of a number of Covid 19 mutations has been found. The problem of trash on the streets of the Big Apple has forced the human population to live in close contact with these rodents, which according to various reports have increased by 70 percent in the past two years.
According to the study, rats could also infect other species of animals. The recommendation is to enforce biosafety standards vigorously.
The study highlighted the risk of transmission from urban rats to humans, but also highlighted the need for further monitoring and investigation. From New York, Ángela González, Voice of America..
