If we knew how the virus jumped from a particular animal to a human, then we should be a step closer to preventing a recurrence. Independent online financial news service Union Journal describes a particular scenario. In their minds, a carrier bat flits across the sky leaving droppings containing virus traces. These jump to a pangolin searching for insects. Somebody kills or captures it, and it enters human society
Detective Work to Confirm How the Virus Jumped
Discovering what really happened is like completing a jigsaw puzzle with critical pieces missing. It’s a bit of a detective finding the sequence, says Andrew Cunningham of Zoological Society London. A variety of species could be carriers, although we do know bats harbor a large number of different corona viruses.
Certainly, Chinese scientists considered bats after they discovered the Covid-19 virus code. Moreover, they are mammals, and travel long distances so they have the opportunity to distribute pathogens far and wide. A number of researchers suspect a pangolin was the intermediary animal because its scales are components of traditional medicines. Moreover, we do know China has suspended trade in wild animal products.
That’s Good News for Rhinos, Elephants and Pangolins
Some Asians consider pangolin flesh a sought-after delicacy. They purchase it in open wet markets alongside other raw meats. Moreover, live animals may also be in the vicinity. Wet markets create ideal conditions for pathogen spillovers, says Bill Cunningham. This may be part of the explanation how the virus jumped.
Chinese authorities keep a close eye on live and dead animals for sale at open markets like Wuhan Seafood. It’s extremely important to solve this mystery. That’s because if it happened once, it can happen again somewhere in Earth’s vast population. Ebola, HIV and SARS all transferred from animals. Could this be due to us encroaching wild habitats, and encountering new species?
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Preview Image: Confiscated Pangolin Scales
