Cryptic SARS-CoV-2 lineage identified on two mink farms as a possible result of long-term undetected circulation in an unknown animal reservoir, Poland, November 2022 to January 2023
Katarzyna Domańska-Blicharz, Bas B. Oude Munnink, Anna Orłowska, Marcin Smreczak, Justyna Opolska, Anna Lisowska, Paweł Trębas, Wojciech Socha, Aleksandra Giza, Arkadiusz Bomba, Ewelina Iwan, J. Rola, Marion Koopmans
Abstract
In late 2022 and early 2023, SARS-CoV-2 infections were detected on three mink farms in Poland situated within a few km from each other. Whole-genome sequencing of the viruses on two of the farms showed that they were related to a virus identified in humans in the same region 2 years before (B.1.1.307 lineage). Many mutations were found, including in the S protein typical of adaptations to the mink host. The origin of the virus remains to be determined.
Topics & Concepts
MinkLineage (genetic)BiologyZoologyVirusHost (biology)VirologyGeneticsEcologyGeneSARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19 ResearchAnimal Virus Infections StudiesViral gastroenteritis research and epidemiology