Exposure of humans or animals to SARS-CoV-2 from wild, livestock, companion and aquatic animals. Qualitative exposure assessment

ABSTRACT

This work describes of the risk of human or animal exposure to SARS-CoV-2 through contact with, handling or consumption of wild, domestic and aquatic animal species or their products;current knowledge gaps regarding the zoonotic origin or animal-human spillover of SARS-CoV-2 and recommendations for priority studies;evidence for SARS-CoV-2 susceptibility of different animal species;evidence-based recommendations on how to prioritize animal species for targeted field investigations or research studies and recommendations for targeted One Health investigations and epidemiological, laboratory, anthropological or seasonality studies to fill critical knowledge gaps. Understanding the risk of exposure of humans or animals to SARS-CoV-2 from animals and their products is essential for containing virus spread, prioritizing research, protecting food systems and informing national One Health investigations and mitigation measures.