Pangolins smuggled into China have been confirmed to contain viruses closely related to the one sweeping the world.
Sale of the animals in wildlife markets should be strictly prohibited to minimise the risk of future outbreaks, says an international team.
Pangolins are the most-commonly illegally trafficked mammal, used both as food and in traditional medicine.
Bats are thought to be the original viral source, with another species playing a role in human transmission.
In a new research paper, published in the journal Nature, researchers say their genetic data suggests “handling these animals requires considerable caution, and that their sale in wet markets should be strictly prohibited.”
Further surveillance on pangolins in the wild in China and Southeast Asia is needed to understand their role in the emergence of coronaviruses and the risk of future transmission to humans, they add.
The ant-devouring scaly mammal, said to be the most widely trafficked mammal in the world, is threatened with extinction. The animal’s scales are in high demand in Asia for use in traditional Chinese medicine, while pangolin meat is considered a delicacy by some.
Swimmer Habiba Belghith won the bronze medal in the 100m breaststroke at the African Swimming…
The Gazan Ministry of Health in the Gaza Strip stated on Saturday that the number…
Tunisia celebrates on May 3, 2024, the National Day of Diplomacy, marking the 68th anniversary…
In a statement to Tunisie Numérique,MP Adel Diaf, Chairman of the Defense, Security and Armed…
Monastir Court of Appeal confirmed the first instance ruling pronouncing the death penalty in the…
Members of the Judicial Division of the National Guard in Médenine managed to unmask a…
This website uses cookies.