The researchers found that some of the Covid-positive samples were rich in DNA from raccoon dogs, as well as other mammals, that were sold at a market in Wuhan, China.
The coronavirus pandemic could have started due to the sale of raccoon dogs infected with Covid-19 in the Chinese city of Wuhan. This conclusion was reached by researchers after analyzing the genetic data collected in the live food market, according to The Guardian.
An analysis of the gene sequences that were published by the Chinese team in the Gisaid scientific database showed that some of the Covid-positive samples were rich in raccoon dog DNA. In addition, traces of DNA belonging to other mammals, including civets, were also present in Covid-positive samples.
Scientists note that such a discovery does not prove that raccoon dogs or other animals infected with Covid caused the pandemic. However, they believe that this theory is becoming more likely. The experts presented their findings to a group of experts at the World Health Organization.
“The data further points to a market origin,” Scripps Research evolutionary biologist Professor Christian Andersen told Science.
In turn, virologist and senior team leader at the Francis Crick Institute in London, Dr. Jonathan Stoy, said the discovery of raccoon dogs infected with coronavirus strengthens the likelihood that farm animals were an important link in the series of events that led to the pandemic.
“However, this does not disprove the laboratory leak theory: this would require proof that such animals were infected prior to their arrival and display at the Juanan seafood market, which may never be possible,” he added.
Recall, on February 26, the US Department of Energy stated that the cause of the Covid-19 pandemic was probably an unintentional leak from a Chinese laboratory.
However, on March 2, US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken said that the version of Beijing’s involvement in the creation of the coronavirus in the laboratory is real, but requires clarification on many points.
