The new research relieved concerns that North American bat species could catch coronavirus from humans, decimating populations. Author: Michael Crowe Updated: 7:14 PM PDT March 31, 2021
SEATTLE New research on the potential of human to bat coronavirus transmission is reinforcing Washington’s decision to resume letting scientists work hands-on with bats.
The U.S. Geological Survey released results of a study this week, which found researchers working with bats have a strikingly low risk of transmitting COVID-19 to the animals. Because the COVID-19 pandemic is believed to have jumped to humans from bats in China, there have been concerns over the potential for it to jump back to bats in North America, potentially decimating populations.
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IMAGE: USGS wildlife disease specialist Kimberli Miller collects field samples from a white-nose syndrome positive cave in Vermont. view more
Credit: USGS
The risk is low that scientists could pass coronavirus to North American bats during winter research, according to a new study led by the U.S. Geological Survey. Scientists find the overall risk to be 1 in 1,000 if no protective measures are taken, and the risk falls lower, to 1 in 3,333 or less, with proper use of personal protective equipment or if scientists test negative for COVID-19 before beginning research.
The research specifically looked at the potential transmission of SARS-CoV-2, which is the type of coronavirus that causes COVID-19, from people to bats. Scientists did not examine potential transmission from bats to people.