Scientists, researchers, and medical professionals – all working in collaboration with one another – have recently discovered a total of six novel coronaviruses in bat in the Southeast Asian country of Myanmar.
While it is not unusual for research teams to discover new diseases in animals, this is an exceptionally frightening discovery because of the fact that all of the recently-discovered viruses are in the same family as the COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) infection which is rapidly spreading around the world, killing thousands.
The good news is, it has been announced that the new coronaviruses are not closely related on a genetic level to the coronaviruses that cause severe illnesses in people.
PREDICT
In Myanmar, there is a program funded by the government identified as “PREDICT”. The purpose and intent of this program is to discover and to detect zoonotic types of diseases. These diseases are those that are spread between animals and people.
The individuals that are in the program work to figure out what types of illnesses are present in various types of wildlife and if those illnesses pose an immense threat to humans. It is located in Myanmar because this country is considered to be a highly biodiverse hotspot that includes both forests and rural areas.
It supports a wide array of wildlife that is known to carry zoonotic diseases and emerging viruses. PREDICT places an emphasis on interfaces that are high-risk and areas where animals have the ability to predispose people to the contraction of diseases.
The New Viruses
The study started in the year of 2016. It tested 464 bats from a total of 11 various bat species. Information was obtained from saliva and feces (guano) samples. The samples were obtained from three different locations. The viruses discovered and their related species were as follows:
- PREDICT-CoV-90 – The Greater Asiatic Yellow House Bat
- PREDICT-CoV-47 – The Wrinkle-Lipped Free-Tailed Bat
- PREDICT-CoV-82 – The Wrinkle-Lipped Free-Tailed Bat
- PREDICT CoV-92 – The Horsfield’s Leaf-Nosed Bat
- PREDICT CoV-93 – The Horsfield’s Leaf-Nosed Bat
- PREDICT CoV-96 – The Horsfield’s Leaf-Nosed Bat
To determine the detrimental effect on humans, more research will need to be conducted; however, it is advised that all humans are cautious around all bats because of their role as a vector in spreading coronaviruses.
This is especially true now – during the 2020 Pandemic of the COVID-19 – which is thought to have started in bats prior to infecting humans, with a possible detour through another type of wildlife intermediary host.
Bat Removal
If you have bats on your property or even in your home (like in the attic), it is essential that you take all steps possible to eliminate the population. While it is true that not all bats are infected with potentially life-threatening illnesses, it is true that the illnesses that they do harbor have the potential to make humans ill.
You should never attempt to remove bats on your own, as this poses many dangers. We here at Palmetto Wildlife Extractors have the tools, resources, and knowledge to quickly and effectively remove bats. For more information on our bat removal services, contact us today by calling: 855-465-1088