The study, published in The Lancet, provided the first documented evidence that the Delta variant can be transmitted from hamsters to humans.
SAMPLES TESTED
For research, samples from animals collected from pet stores were tested. As a result of the tests, two independent cases of “hamster-to-human transmission” were seen.
According to the study, the hamsters in question contracted the virus before they were imported into Hong Kong, suggesting to researchers that the pet trade could be a way to facilitate the spread of Covid-19 across borders.
“This study reveals that domestic hamsters can become infected with Covid-19 and transmit the virus back to humans. Covid-19 virus circulating in hamsters can be transmitted to humans,” the researchers said in the study. made statements.
VIRUS DETECTED IN MICE
After a pet store employee’s Covid-19 test was positive on January 18 in Hong Kong, it was reported that the virus was seen in several mice, and about 2,000 small animals, including mice, would be culled.
As part of the measure, it was stated that customers who bought mice from the pet shop after January 7 would be placed in mandatory quarantine and the mice had to be handed over to the authorities for culling.