Due to SARS CoV-2 recombination rates, number of infected people and recent reports of environmental contamination, the possibility of SARS CoV-2 transmission to animals can be expected. We tested samples of dominant free-living and captive wildlife species in Croatia for the presence of anti-SARS CoV-2 antibodies and viral RNA. In total, from June 2020 until February 2021, we tested blood, muscle extract and fecal samples of 422 free-living wild boars ( Sus scrofa ), red foxes ( Vulpes vulpes ) and jackals ( Canis aureus ); blood and cloacal swabs of 111 yellow-legged gulls ( Larus michahellis ) and fecal samples of 32 zoo animals. A commercially available ELISA (ID.Vet, France) and as a confirmatory test, a surrogate virus neutralization test (sVNT; GenScript, Netherlands) were used. Fecal samples were tested for the presence of viral RNA by a real-time RT–PCR protocol. Fifteen out of 533 (2.8%) positive ELISA results were detected; in wild boars (3.9%), red foxes (2.9%) and jackals (4.6%). However, the positive findings were not confirmed by sVNT. No viral RNA was found. In conclusion, no spillover occurred within the investigated period (second COVID-19 wave). However, further investigation is needed, especially regarding wildlife sample features for serological tests.
【저자키워드】 SARS CoV-2, serology, RNA detection, free-living wild animals, zoo animals, 【초록키워드】 COVID-19, protocol, antibody, Transmission, ELISA, Contamination, Croatia, virus neutralization test, Fecal sample, France, Viral RNA, Swab, serological, Blood, Netherlands, recombination rates, sVNT, Canis, positive, RT–PCR, dominant, Genscript, feature, tested, occurred, investigated, were used, expected, number of infected, Larus, Vulpe, 【제목키워드】 animal, Presence,