Deer may serve as a reservoir for old SARS-CoV-2 variants
- A study has found widespread infection of white-tailed deer with the SARS-CoV-2 virus across the U.S. State of New York.
- The researchers found cocirculation of the Alpha, Delta, and Gamma variants in the white-tailed deer, months after they were last detected in humans.
White Tailed Deer
- They are the smallest members of the North American deer family.
- Scientific name: Odocoileus virginianus
- Distribution: They are found in North America from southern Canada through Central America.
- Habitat
- Includes areas along streams and rivers, mixed woodlands, farms, forests, and burned shrub fields.
- Open areas are used only when thick shrubs or forests are nearby.
- Features
- It is tan or brown in the summer and grayish brown in winter.
- It has white on its throat, around its eyes and nose, on its stomach, and on the underside of its tail.
- Only male deer grow antlers, which are shed each year.
- They are excellent runners. They can run at speeds of up to 30 miles an hour.
- IUCN Status: ‘Least Concern’
Prelims Take Away
- White Tailed Deer
- SARS-CoV-2 virus