Coronavirus can spread from animals to humans

New research in the United States has revealed that SARS-CoV-2 – the virus that causes COVID-19 – was transmitted from people to deer in dozens of cases initially.

However, the disease would then mutate and in three instances the infection could have been transmitted back to human beings.

Experts are still attempting to learn about COVID in animals and are trying to figure out if white-tailed deer are an animal host in which the bug can survive and potentially change.

Dr Xiu-Feng 'Henry' Wan, a professor at the University of Missouri, said: "Deer regularly interact with humans and are commonly found in human environments – near our homes, pets, wastewater, and trash.

"The potential for SARS-Cov-2, or any zoonotic disease, to persist and evolve in wildlife populations can pose unique public health risks."

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