Poo Test
A SARS-CoV-2 test for bats based on faeces could help researchers better understand how wild animals spread viruses to other animals and people. The test, which was created by Imperial College London academics, might be used on other mammals. This could aid researchers in determining if wildlife can serve as reservoirs for this and other dangerous viruses.
The breakthrough, which was just published in the journal Conservation Practice & Policy, could aid conservation efforts. If bats under the care of individuals who have tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 have received the virus, they must be isolated until testing shows they are free of the virus.
Animals must currently be handled in order to be tested for SARS-CoV-2 or other viruses using a swab or blood sample. The researchers believe that the novel poo test might be used to develop a fast, accurate, and practical coronavirus test in a range of contexts, ranging from individual animals in care to population testing.
They could, for example, collect bat guano or leaven from other mammals that come into contact with bat populations frequently.
