The One Health concept for the threat of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 to marine ecosystems

Abstract

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a global health threat. This virus is the causative agent for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Pandemic prevention is best addressed through an integrated One Health (OH) approach. Understanding zoonotic pathogen fatality and spillover from wildlife to humans are effective for controlling and preventing zoonotic outbreaks. The OH concept depends on the interface of humans, animals, and their environment. Collaboration among veterinary medicine, public health workers and clinicians, and veterinary public health is necessary for rapid response to emerging zoonotic pathogens. SARS-CoV-2 affects aquatic environments, primarily through untreated sewage. Patients with COVID-19 discharge the virus in urine and feces into residential wastewater. Thus, marine organisms may be infected with SARS-CoV-2 by the subsequent discharge of partially treated or untreated wastewater to marine waters. Viral loads can be monitored in sewage and surface waters. Furthermore, shellfish are vulnerable to SARS-CoV-2 infection. Filter-feeding organisms might be monitored to protect consumers. Finally, the stability of SARS-CoV-2 to various environmental factors aids in viral studies. This article highlights the presence and survival of SARS-CoV-2 in the marine environment and its potential to enter marine ecosystems through wastewater. Furthermore, the OH approach is discussed for improving readiness for successive outbreaks. This review analyzes information from public health and epidemiological monitoring tools to control COVID-19 transmission.

Keywords

• coronavirus disease 2019
• marine environment
• one health
• sewage
• shellfish
• zoonosis