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Natural infection of delta mutant of SARS-CoV2 in Asiatic Lions of India
  • +8
  • Karikalan Mathesh,
  • Vishal Chander,
  • Sonalika Mahajan,
  • Pallavi Deol,
  • Ravikant Agarwal,
  • Sukdeb Nandi,
  • S. Rai,
  • A. Mathur,
  • Abhijit Pawde,
  • K. Singh,
  • Gaurav Sharma
Karikalan Mathesh
Indian Veterinary Research Institute

Corresponding Author:[email protected]

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Vishal Chander
Indian Veterinary Research Institute
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Sonalika Mahajan
Indian Veterinary Research Institute
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Pallavi Deol
Indian Veterinary Research Institute
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Ravikant Agarwal
Indian Veterinary Research Institute
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Sukdeb Nandi
Indian Veterinary Research Institute
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S. Rai
Government of Uttar Pradesh
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A. Mathur
Government of Rajasthan
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Abhijit Pawde
Indian Veterinary Research Institute
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K. Singh
Indian Veterinary Research Institute
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Gaurav Sharma
Indian Veterinary Research Institute
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Abstract

The current pandemic caused by a novel coronavirus named as SARS-CoV2 has underlined the importance of emerging diseases of zoonotic importance. Along with human beings, several species of wild and pet animals have been demonstrated to be infected by SARS-CoV2, both naturally and experimentally. Additionally, with constant emergence of new variants, the species susceptibility might further change, warranting intensification of screening efforts. India is a vast and second most populated country, with a habitat of a very diverse range of animal species. In this study we are reporting infection of SARS-CoV2 in captive Asiatic lions. Detailed characterization revealed involvement of delta mutant (Pango lineage B.1.617.2) of SARS-CoV2 at two different locations. Interestingly, no other feline species enclosed in the zoo/park was found infected. The epidemiological and molecular analysis in this study will contribute to the understanding of SARS-CoV2 emerging mutants in wild and domesticated animals.
09 Jul 2021Submitted to Transboundary and Emerging Diseases
09 Jul 2021Submission Checks Completed
09 Jul 2021Assigned to Editor
15 Jul 2021Reviewer(s) Assigned
24 Jul 2021Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
25 Jul 2021Editorial Decision: Revise Major
30 Jul 20211st Revision Received
30 Jul 2021Submission Checks Completed
30 Jul 2021Assigned to Editor
03 Aug 2021Reviewer(s) Assigned
06 Aug 2021Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
16 Aug 2021Editorial Decision: Accept