Pangolins have coronavirus that is very similar to nCoV-2019.
Pangolins are the most abundant animal in the illegal animal trade in Asia, and possibly also worldwide. This is despite the fact that the animal is protected and some species of Pangolins are endangered.
In China, cones are mainly sold for use in traditional Chinese medicine, but at the same time, their meat is considered a delicacy.
Pangolins can become infected with a type of coronavirus whose genes correspond to 99 percent of the nCoV-2019 virus, which is behind the ongoing outbreak that was discovered in Wuhan, China, in December. It reported researchers from South China Agricultural University in Chinese Guangzhou last week.
Although nothing has been proven yet, the genetic similarity to nCoV-2019 has aroused the suspicion that the virus behind the ongoing outbreak is from antlers. The theory now is that the virus originated in bats and that it was transmitted through Pangolins to humans. However, the world awaits a publication of the research results before any conclusions can be drawn.
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