The detection of diverse coronaviruses, including MERS-related coronaviruses, in South African bat populations and their associated ecology in Neoromica capensis

Abstract

and duikers, in areas where EBOV is present was assessed as low. For domestic animals in these areas, such as pigs and dogs, the likelihood was assessed as very low. The likelihood of EBOV introduction into non-infected countries through trade, handling and consumption of wild meat was also assessed as very low. Given limited availability of surveillance or field study data, the level of uncertainty in the assessment remains high. Conclusion: Investigations of historic human outbreaks suggest that EBOV is initially introduced into human populations through contact with infected wild mammals or their meat. However, in line with the assessed low likelihood, this is considered a rare event. The public health impact of spillover, when occurring, is however devastating due to the huge consequences that human outbreaks entail. The risk assessment helped consolidating current knowledge on EBOV in animals and highlighted outstanding knowledge gaps, including EBOV survival in the environment, susceptibility of animal species in field settings, and information on wild meat trade movements.