Susceptibility of Wild Canids to SARS-CoV-2

Abstract

We assessed 2 wild canid species, red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) and coyotes (Canis latrans), for susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2. After experimental inoculation, red foxes became infected and shed infectious virus. Conversely, experimentally challenged coyotes did not become infected; therefore, coyotes are unlikely to be competent hosts for SARS-CoV-2.

Keywords

• COVID-19
• canid
• Canis latrans
• coronavirus disease
• coyote
• fox