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SARS-Cov-2 variants can infect wider range of animal cells, study finds
"Variants of the virus need to adapt when they reach new species and improving our understanding of what those adaptations are is helpful" - Dr Dalan Bailey.
Researchers at The Pirbright Institute carried out the research. 

New research carried out by scientists at The Pirbright Institute has found that SARS-Cov-2, the virus which causes COVID-19, can potentially infect a wider number of animal cells.

Published in Journal of General Virology, the study discovered that the Alpha, Beta and Delta variants can infect more species, in comparison to the ancestral virus strain, owing to mutations in its genetic code. 

Head of Pirbright's Viral Glycoproteins group, Dr Dalan Bailey, said: “It is really important to understand the mechanism of how SARS-CoV-2 gains entry to cells to make sure we’re using the right animal models when testing in the lab. 

“Our results support the current models being used, but it’s important to know that you’re using the right species.”

The researchers tested ACE2 receptors, which SARS-Cov-2 uses as a host cell by binding to the ACE2 using spike proteins found on the surface of the virus. Testing these ACE2 receptors from a range of different animals, including mice, rats, hamsters, ferrets, civets and pigs, researchers found that changes to these proteins allowed the virus to enter host cells, and infect a wider range of species. 

Dr Bailey continued: “Variants of the virus need to adapt when they reach new species and improving our understanding of what those adaptations are is helpful. 

“But it’s not the whole story. The entry into the cell is just one step. There are some species with cells that allow virus entry but not replication, or infection. 

“That is harder to understand, and the G2P Consortium (a national research project studying emerging variants of SARS-CoV-2)  is working together to try and figure out why that is.”

The research will allow scientists to predict which animals can be infected with SARS-Cov-2, and determine whether this poses a risk to other animals and humans. It can also help scientists to develop animal models for COVID-19. 

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Practices urged to audit neutering data

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
New guidance for antibiotic use in rabbits

New best practice guidance on the responsible use of antibiotics in rabbits has been published by the BSAVA in collaboration with the Rabbit Welfare Association & Fund (RWA&F).

The guidance is free and has been produced to help veterinary practitioners select the most appropriate antibiotic for rabbits. It covers active substance, dose and route of administration all of which are crucial factors when treating rabbits owing to the risk of enterotoxaemia.

For more information and to access the guide, visit the BSAVALibrary.