SARS-CoV-2 Antibodies in Wild Mammals from Atlantic Forest Region in Misiones province, Argentina.

Abstract

There is evidence that both domestic and wild animals are susceptible to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), the virus causing COVID-19 in humans. However, the extent of infection in native wild mammals and the most susceptible species to SARS-CoV-2 remain unclear. We assessed SARS-CoV-2 exposure in native wild mammals from the Misiones region, a subtropical area in northeastern Argentina, within the Upper Paraná Atlantic Forest ecoregion. A descriptive, cross-sectional study was designed using serum samples from wild mammals that entered the Centro de Rescate, Rehabilitación y Recría de Fauna Silvestre Güirá Oga for veterinary care between December 2019 and March 2022. Epidemiological data were obtained from veterinary records, and antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 were detected using a novel bridge multispecies ELISA. A total of 115 serum samples from 26 wild mammal species were analyzed, revealing antibodies in 20 samples and a seroprevalence of 17.4% (95% confidence interval 11.5-25.3%). Antibodies were detected in 13 species, including native wild mammals in Argentina. These findings indicate that certain wildlife species may be infected by this virus, but do not provide evidence that any of the tested animals are reservoirs for SARS-CoV-2, as the study only addressed exposure. The results underscore the importance of continued surveillance to understand the ecological impacts of SARS-CoV-2, prevent zoonotic transmission, and protect both wildlife and human health.