Susceptibility of wild canids to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)

Abstract

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has proven to be a promiscuous virus, capable of infecting a variety of different animal species, but much work remains in determining the susceptibility of common wildlife species to the virus. Here, we demonstrate that following experimental inoculation with SARS-CoV-2, red fox (Vulpes vulpes) become infected and can shed virus in oral and respiratory secretions. Conversely, experimentally challenged coyotes (Canis latrans) did not become infected or shed virus. Our results add red fox to the animal species known to be susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 and suggest that they may contribute to continued maintenance and transmission of the virus. Article Summary LineExperimental infection of red fox (Vulpes vulpes) and coyotes (Canis latrans) with SARS-CoV-2 revealed that red fox are susceptible to infection and can shed virus, while coyotes do not become infected.