Serological evidence of SARS-CoV-2 infection in dromedary camels and domestic bovids in Oman

ABSTRACT

SARS-CoV-2 has demonstrated the ability to infect a wide range of animal species. Here, we investigated SARS-CoV-2 infection in livestock species in Oman and provided serological evidence of SARS-CoV-2 infection in cattle, sheep, goats, and dromedary camel using the surrogate virus neutralization and plaque reduction neutralization tests. To better understand the extent of SARS-CoV-2 infection in animals and associated risks, “One Health” epidemiological investigations targeting animals exposed to COVID-19 human cases should be implemented with integrated data analysis of the epidemiologically linked human and animal cases.

KEYWORDS:

• SARS-CoV-2
• Livestock
• Bovids
• Dromedary camel
• COVID-19

Acknowledgements

The views expressed in this publication are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views or policies of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

This work is implemented in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources of Oman through Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) project [grant number UNJP/OMA/028/WHO] (Understanding and mitigating the risks of SARS-CoV-2 transmission from COVID-19 human patients to in-contact farmed and companion animals) funded by the World Health Organization (WHO) country office in Oman. MP is supported by the Theme based Research Grants Scheme of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region [grant number T11-712/19-N, SAV].