In a major international study, scientists have reaffirmed that the coronavirus outbreak likely began in a Wuhan wet market, debunking the theory that Covid-19 was leaked from a lab. Genetic samples from animals sold at the market in late 2019 revealed traces of the virus, including in raccoon dogs, which researchers believe were key in transmitting the virus to humans. report from The Mirror.
Lead author Kristian Andersen from Scripps Research stated, “This adds another layer to the accumulating evidence that all points to the same scenario: infected animals introduced into the market sparked the pandemic.”
The study marks the first time scientists have been able to identify specific animals, such as raccoon dogs, masked palm civets, and bamboo rats, as potential carriers of the virus. However, many species were cleared from the market before Chinese health authorities arrived, leaving some uncertainties. told by MSN.
The lab-leak theory, fueled by comments from FBI Director Christopher Wray, remains debated but was not supported by this latest research. Based on new data from the Chinese Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, the study strongly supports the origin of the wet market as the most plausible explanation for the pandemic’s start.
