Researchers at UCL and Imperial College London who found novel coronaviruses in UK bats say genetic surveys of the viruses should be regularly conducted, even if none of those viruses can infect humans yet.
Working with a network of bat conservationists, the researchers screened faecal samples from UK bats for coronaviruses.
Their results, published today in Nature Communications, report circulation of four species of coronaviruses, including two novel ones, among the 16 UK bat species sampled. While some of these coronaviruses are related to those that cause Covid-19 and MERS, none are currently capable of infecting humans.
Regular surveillance of viruses in wildlife and more widely is a public health issue. Bats are protected species in the UK, so working with conservation organisations is crucial to this effort, say the researchers.
Good for bats, good for us Viruses are more likely to spill over from wild animals when they are brought in closer contact with humans. Habitat losses and land-use changes across the world are linked with an increase probability of zoonotic crossover. Maintaining bat conservation efforts and minimising habitat destruction could therefore help prevent zoonotic spillover, alongside a monitoring program that regularly screens for potential pathogens.
Lisa Worledge, Head of Conservation Services at the Bat Conservation Trust, said: “New techniques such as the one used in this paper are increasing our understanding and highlight the importance of protecting nature. This work provides a great example of researchers and conservationists working together for the wider good. Beyond reducing the chances of zoonosis, we know that protecting wildlife brings many other benefits. From providing ecosystem services such as controlling insects that damage crops through to the simple joy of watching bats on a summer’s night, bats are a vital part of our natural heritage.”
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Posted On: 28/06/2023