Experimental Infection of Mexican Free-Tailed Bats ( <i>Tadarida brasiliensis</i> ) with SARS-CoV-2
Jeffrey S. Hall, Erik K. Hofmeister, Hon S. Ip, S. W. Nashold, Ariel E. Leon, Carly M. Malavé, Elizabeth A. Falendysz, Tonie E. Rocke, Mariano Carossino, Udeni B. R. Balasuriya, Susan Knowles
Abstract
As the COVID-19 pandemic has continued for 3+ years, there has been increasing concern that the SARS-CoV-2 virus will enter wildlife populations and potentially create new reservoirs where the virus could adapt to a new host and create variants. This is particularly possible with species that reside in man-made structures, in proximity to infected human populations. Mexican free-tailed bats (Tadarida brasiliensis) live in large colonies, often in urban settings and, thus, can be exposed by infected humans and potentially transmit the virus to new hosts. We experimentally challenged T. brasiliensis with SARS-CoV-2 and revealed that they are susceptible to the virus and excrete moderate amounts for up to 18 days postinoculation. This is important information for wildlife biologists, wildlife rehabilitation workers, and the general public that may contact these animals.