Pangolin identified as the host of Corona Virus in China

On February 7, 2020, the most trafficked mammal of Asia, Pangolin was identified as the host of the virus by the researchers of China. According to them, the outbreak that killed around 636 people in China has started from a market in Wuhan city through Pangolin.

Highlights

The Genome sequence of the corona virus separated from Pangolin was 99% identical to those of the virus stains obtained from infected persons in China. Earlier in 2002-03, when the SARS outbreak occurred, the virus transferred to humans from civet (a mammal). Civet is prized in China for its flesh. The sale of Civet was outlawed in China in the wake of SARS epidemic.

Pangolin is used in medicines in China. Also, they are traded for their flesh. The investigations suspect that the virus has entered China through Pangolin trade.

Pangolin

There are 8 species of Pangolins all over the world. They are listed under threatened in IUCN red list. Pangolins have the highest protection under CITES. The international trade of Pangolins has been banned.

Month: Current Affairs - February, 2020