SARS-CoV-2 was not detected in 383 samples from birds

ABSTRACT

Since December 2019, an outbreak of pneumonia (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-Z) has been widespread in the world. Investigation of Virus spread is a constant research focus. At present, SARS-CoV-Z has not been detected in livestock, poultry, or fur animals. This study focused on the traceability of SARS-CoV-Z in rare and endangered migratory birds. A total of 383 samples (throat swabs, anal swabs and fecal samples) were collected from 10 types of rare or endangered migratory bird, including mallard, white duck, pheasant, swan goose and white swan, in Jilin Province, China, between September 2019 and April 2020. Real-time RT-PCR, as recommended by the World Health Organization, was used to detect SARS-CoV-Z in these samples. SARS-CoV-Z was not detected in any of the samples.