SARS-ANI: a global open access dataset of reported SARS-CoV-2 events in animals

Abstract

The zoonotic origin of SARS-CoV-2, the etiological agent of COVID-19, is not yet fully resolved. Although natural infections in animals are reported in a wide range of species, large knowledge and data gaps remain regarding SARS-CoV-2 in animal hosts. We used two major health databases to extract unstructured data and generated a global dataset of SARS-CoV-2 events in animals. The dataset presents harmonized host names, integrates relevant epidemiological and clinical data on each event, and is readily usable for analytical purposes. We also share the code for technical and visual validation of the data and created a user-friendly dashboard for data exploration. Data on SARS-CoV-2 occurrence in animals is critical to adapting monitoring strategies, preventing the formation of animal reservoirs, and tailoring future human and animal vaccination programs. The FAIRness and analytical flexibility of the data will support research efforts on SARS-CoV-2 at the human-animal-environment interface. We intend to update this dataset weekly for at least one year and, through collaborations, to develop it further and expand its use.

Using drivers and transmission pathways to identify SARS-like coronavirus spillover risk hotspots

“…The role of domestic intermediate hosts for sarbecoviruses is unclear, with numerous species able to be infected by SARS-CoV-2 ( 56 ). Here we include cattle and all Bovidae livestock evaluations, leading to similar overall results for clusters but with some univariate hotspots less intense, especially in central India and south China, while making them more intense around Beijing, highlighting how uncertainties around host susceptibility and potential pathways leads to uncertainty regarding risk.…”

“…Here we include cattle and all Bovidae livestock evaluations, leading to similar overall results for clusters but with some univariate hotspots less intense, especially in central India and south China, while making them more intense around Beijing, highlighting how uncertainties around host susceptibility and potential pathways leads to uncertainty regarding risk. The emergence of a novel coronavirus and re-emergence of a known Sarbecovirus through spillback is also possible ( 56 ) and may change risk profiles. Other factors that play a large role in outbreak response such as conflict ( 57 ) and other societal challenges associated with health and the environment might also be considered.…”

The World of Organoids: Gastrointestinal Disease Modelling in the Age of 3R and One Health with Specific Relevance to Dogs and Cats

“…COVID-19, for instance, is a very prominent and current example. SARS-CoV-2 infections are diagnosed in humans as well as many different species of animals [ 2 ], and viral particles can be found in wastewater [ 3 ]. Referring to the global problem of SARS-CoV-2 infections for humans, animals, and environmental contamination, one can appreciate the importance of One Health in a global context.…”

Pandemic or Panzootic—A Reflection on Terminology for SARS-CoV-2 Infection

“…We argue that we could be at the very beginning of a macrocycle that may become the first real-time documented case of a true panzootic—that is, an infection that occurs in a vast number of animal species, which includes Homo sapiens . The situation is worrisome and monitored by international organizations such as the World Organization for Animal Health and a recent effort, SARS-ANI, is collecting relevant data on animal infections in a global open-access database ( 17 ).…”

“…The concept behind the term “pandemic” has evolved over the centuries to describe philosophical, social, and medical issues which had 2 common characteristics: they affected human beings and were widespread phenomena. We can say that this is certainly true also for SARS-CoV-2 infection, but “pandemic” is perhaps insufficient to encompass and define the magnitude of what we are observing with multispecies infections caused by this virus ( 2 – 17 ).…”