Raccoon dogs, not just bats behind COVID-19 origins: Study

The origins of COVID-19 have been researched ever since the virus broke out. A study now has found new evidence regarding the origins.

Ever since the outbreak of COVID-19, the origins of the virus are a hotly debated and researched topic.

While at first it was reported that bats may have carried the virus and spread it, a new study says that it could have originated from raccoon dogs being sold illegally in the Wuhan market in China.

A report in The Atlantic said that the conclusion was drawn after researchers gathered genetic data from swabs that were taken from Hunan Seafood Wholesale Market and close-by areas in 2020.

Swabs were taken from floors, walls, cages and carts that were used to transport the animals, the report also added.

The analysis by the researchers found that the samples were infected by the virus which carried the genetic material of animals including raccoon dogs. Although this finding does not confirm that raccoon dogs were infected or if they transmitted the COVID-19 virus to humans, the research notes that that the virus was spread from wild animals.

Angela Rasmussen, a virologist who was part of the research told The Atlantic, "there is really strong indication that animals at the market were infected. There is no really other explanation that makes any sense."

The research was led by three researchers- Kristian Andersen, Michael Worobey, and Edward Holmes.

The data was posted on GISAID, an open-access genomic database. It was then downloaded and analysed by scientists from North America., Australia and Europe.

The Chinese had already examined the samples and said that 'no animal host of SARS-CoV-2 can be deduced.'

According to Alex Crits-Christoph, a computational biologist, 'the genetic data was tangible. This is the species that everyone has been talking about.'

Earlier the COVID-19 origin theories were widely debated after FBI director, Christopher Wray said publicly said that the bureau bellied that the virus was most likely originated in a Chinese government controlled lab. Beijing hit back by accusing Washington of political manipulation. Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said the involvement of the US intelligence community was evidence enough of the politicisation of origin tracing, while hitting back at the FBI director's comments.

The World Health Organisation has urged all countries gather intelligence about the origins the COVID-19 virus and share it with the global health body. Gathering information is not to blame anyone,, but to advance understanding of how the pandemic began, the WHO also said.