Possibility Raised That COVID Originated from Raccoon Dogs

Reanalysis Results of Genetic Samples from Wuhan Seafood Market

Another study has found that the COVID-19 pandemic began with raccoon dogs illegally sold at the Huanan Seafood Market in Wuhan, China. Previously, there were claims that the coronavirus leaked from a laboratory in Wuhan, but these claims are now facing stronger opposition.

On the 17th (local time), the American current affairs weekly The Atlantic reported that on the 14th, a research team composed of virologists, genomic scientists, and evolutionary biologists presented these findings at the World Health Organization (WHO) Scientific Advisory Group for Origins of Novel Pathogens meeting.

Raccoon Dog. [Photo by Asia Economy DB]
(This photo is not directly related to the article)

Based on results from the U.S. scientific institute Scripps Research, an international research team affiliated with the University of Sydney in Australia, the University of Arizona in the U.S., and others reanalyzed genetic data collected from various locations such as animal cages, carts, and floors within the Huanan Seafood Market in Wuhan, China, between January and March 2020.

Although all animals were culled at the time, researchers collected genetic material from walls, floors, metal cages, and carts used for animal transport.

After Chinese researchers analyzed the samples, they assumed that the coronavirus found in the samples originated from people who shopped or worked at the market.

The international research team focused on the fact that genetic samples testing positive for COVID-19 contained a significant amount of raccoon dog DNA, an animal sold at the market. This differs from the claim that the coronavirus found at the Huanan market came from humans. The Atlantic pointed out, "While the research results cannot conclusively determine the virus's origin, they can serve as clear evidence supporting the animal origin theory of the virus."

Although this research has not yet been officially published in academic journals, the research team has submitted the findings to the WHO's Scientific Advisory Group for Origins of Novel Pathogens (SAGO).

"COVID-19 Emergency Alert to be Lifted Within This Year"

Meanwhile, the World Health Organization (WHO) has forecasted that the highest level of health alert maintained for over three years due to COVID-19 will be lifted within this year.

The "International Public Health Emergency" is the highest level of public health alert that the WHO can declare. Once declared, the WHO gains the authority to promote various research, funding, and international health measures to contain the threat.

WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus held a press conference on the 17th (local time) and stated, "I am confident that we can say the international public health emergency (PHEIC) declaration for COVID-19 will be lifted within this year."

In fact, the number of deaths caused by COVID-19 has significantly decreased. According to the WHO situation report, from February 13 to March 12, over a four-week period, the number of deaths due to COVID-19 was approximately 28,000, a 57% decrease compared to the previous four weeks. The number of new confirmed cases also dropped by 40% to 4.1 million.