Scientists say even though zoonotic diseases are common, new-age pathogens spread between animals presenting a serious risk
A worrying new coronavirus with pandemic potential has been detected in minks, a new study says. According to the research, a fur farm investigation in China led to the discovery of a new bat virus known as HKU5 in the lungs of minks that had died from a pneumonia outbreak.
Scientists say even though zoonotic diseases – infections that spread between people and animals, caused by viruses, bacteria, parasites, and fungi are common, there are new-age pathogens that spread between animals presenting a serious risk.
Infectious diseases researchers are calling for stricter biosafety measures in farms that breed animals for fur, to stop dangerous pathogens from jumping from animals to people. “This is how pandemics happen,” said Dr. Eddie Holmes, a virologist at the University of Sydney, Australia, which conducted one of the largest studies of viruses harboured by fur animals in China.
The team, which included Holmes, found a broad array of viruses - including new pathogens and known ones found in new hosts. The study was published in the journal Nature. “If viruses are able to jump big evolutionary distances, it suggests they can replicate in different cell types. That is a risk,” he told AFP. “HKU5 needs to go on a watchlist immediately. It is absolutely a red flag,” he added.
"Personally, I think the fur farming industry globally should be closed down," he said.
What is the HKU5 virus?
According to scientists, HKU5 is related to the Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus or MERS – also known as camel flu, which is extremely dangerous to humans. Thousands of unknown viruses are believed to be circulating among wild mammals.
Scientists worry that some three dozen viruses, as most concerning now, can jump between species. Raccoon dogs and mink each carry ten of these high-risk viruses - the most of any species, that can expose humans. In total, the team detected 125 viruses at the fur farm, including 36 new ones, according to the study.
Some of the viruses like hepatitis E and Japanese encephalitis are known to humans, however, 13 are new, yet classified, the study said. "I strongly believe that the wildlife trade was responsible for the emergence of SARS-CoV-2," Dr. Eddie said. "And I think that the related fur farming trade could easily result in another pandemic virus," he added.
Common signs and symptoms of coronavirus
Scientists say most symptoms of coronaviruses like MERS and HKU5 are similar, including:
- High fever
- Cough and cold
- Breathlessness and difficulty breathing
- Diarrhoea and vomiting
The viruses, scientists say can also be passed from person to person through cough droplets. But it does not seem to be very contagious between people unless they are in close contact.
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