Another study has found that the novel coronavirus infection (Corona 19) started in raccoons traded in the Chinese market. This is a result that is completely contrary to China’s assertion that the Corona 19 virus originated in humans, not animals.
According to the New York Times on the 17th (local time), international researchers belonging to Scripps Research, the University of Sydney, Australia, and the University of Arizona, USA, conducted research on animal cages and floors in the Huanan Fish Market in Wuhan, China, from January to March 2020. A re-analysis was conducted on the genetic data collected on a month-to-month basis.
Initially, the Chinese scientific community analyzed the genetic sample three years ago, but only disclosed the relevant data to the International Influenza Information Sharing Organization (GISAID) in January this year. However, even this was quickly deleted. However, before the data was completely deleted, a French biologist accidentally discovered it, shared it with an international group of scientists, and went through reanalysis.
As a result of the analysis, it was revealed that the sample contained a significant amount of the genes of raccoons sold in this market. Although this does not provide a definitive answer to how Corona 19 started, the research team explained that it suggests that a raccoon, rather than a bat or pangolin, which has been considered a strong host animal for Corona 19, may have played a role.
University of Chicago epidemiologist Sarah Covey also explained the findings, saying, “If it’s simply a human infection, it’s very unlikely that the genetic sample will contain so much animal DNA, especially raccoon DNA.” Dr. Kobe had previously insisted on a leak from the Corona 19 laboratory, but changed his position after seeing the results.
The results of this study have not yet been officially published in academic journals, but the research team delivered this fact to the World Health Organization (WHO)’s Scientific Advisory Group for Investigation of the Origin of New Pathogens (SAGO).
“This data could and should have been shared three years ago,” said WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. I urge you to continue to do it,” he said.
Source: Donga
Mark Jones is a world traveler and journalist for News Rebeat. With a curious mind and a love of adventure, Mark brings a unique perspective to the latest global events and provides in-depth and thought-provoking coverage of the world at large.