Wild animals as a source of transmission of the new coronavirus COVID-19.

Abstract

A review of the bibliographic sources is carried out, highlighting the role of wild animals and other species as a source of transmission of the coronavirus COVID-19, a pandemic that has become a worldwide emergency. Theoretically, the SARS-CoV-2 virus may retain the ability to infect many mammals, including pangolins, dogs, cats, and Chinese hamsters. In the evolution of the SARS-CoV-2 epidemic, the bat stands out as the main reservoir, while several species of wild animals are being studied. There is no indication that companion animals, especially dogs and cats, are a source of infection for humans.