A groundbreaking study involving international scientists, including Saskatoon’s Angie Rasmussen, has reinforced the theory that COVID-19 likely originated from infected animals at the Huanan Seafood Market in Wuhan, China, rather than a lab leak. The study, published in the journal Cell, analyzed genetic samples from the market, providing robust evidence connecting the virus to the wildlife trade.
The research team identified hotspots in the market where COVID-19 genetic material was found alongside DNA from animals known to carry coronaviruses, such as raccoon dogs, palm civets, and bamboo rats. This strongly suggests the virus jumped to humans through live animal trade, with two spillover events occurring in late 2019.
The study highlights the need for proactive wildlife trade monitoring and animal density control to prevent future pandemics. Infectious disease specialist Dr. Lisa Barrett commended the research as “careful and unbiased,” emphasizing the importance of understanding viral transmission pathways to improve pandemic preparedness.
Despite strong evidence, the lab leak theory continues to circulate, fueled by misinformation and political narratives. Professor Timothy Caulfield of the University of Alberta noted that these claims undermine trust in scientific institutions. Rasmussen and her team remain firm in their findings, aiming to shift focus toward more credible threats like wildlife-related virus transmission.
Source: Swifteradio.com
