Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) activity first peaked in the Canadian human population during spring 2020, where ongoing activity into summer led to a resurgence of cases in the fall and winter of 2020/21.
More...Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) activity first peaked in the Canadian human population during spring 2020, where ongoing activity into summer led to a resurgence of cases in the fall and winter of 2020/21. Spillover events in both domestic and farmed animals have been documented, highlighting significant risk for spillover to wildlife. Susceptibility of peri-domestic animals (e.g. rats, raccoons, Cricetidae mice) is largely unknown, although it is speculated to be low-moderate for some species and higher for others. Experimental infection studies have indicated deer mice (Peromyscus maniculatus) are susceptible and can transmit to other deer mice. The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic remains fluid and continues to evolve with the introduction of viral variants. Genomic diversity through single point mutations or potentially recombination may rapidly increase the frequency and adaptability of SARS-CoV-2 to new hosts. These resulting viruses could incorporate significant changes to the genome sequence leading to functional changes in terms of transmissibility, pathogenesis, cellular or host tropism and immune evasion. Moreover, endemic coronaviruses in Canadian wildlife have not been well characterized. It is unknown if SARS-CoV-2 could recombine with endemic coronaviruses, resulting in a new virus with different antigenic epitopes undermining current vaccine efforts. Regardless, the ability of SARS-CoV-2 to persist unchanged or as a recombinant, adapted virus in wildlife remains a potential threat to both wildlife and humans, particularly as encroachment of the latter into the habitats of the former remains largely unmitigated.
To address these challenges and critical knowledge gaps, capacity for wildlife surveillance is needed, not only for SARS-CoV-2 but for other potential pathogens that may spillover from wildlife to humans, as well as anthropozoonoses. For example, human activity enabled the introduction of West Nile virus to North America, significantly impacting corvid bird populations. Enhanced and supported wildlife surveillance in Canada will not only improve the ability to detect biological threats, but also the ability to understand changing conditions and associated emerging threats that could impact the health of wildlife and humans. This work will provide a surveillance program that is transdisciplinary, responsive, and employ a One Health approach to better the health of Canadians and Canadian wildlife. Less...