New coronaviruses discovered in bats

Scientists studying viruses in wild animals have found six new coronaviruses in bats in southeast Asia.

The team, from the Smithsonian Global Health Program (SGH), detected the viruses in Myanmar, on sites where humans are more likely to come into close contact with local wildlife.

The findings, published in the PLOS ONE, concluded that these coronaviruses are not closely related to SARS CoV-1, MERS or Covid19, but future studies are needed to evaluate their potential for spread to other species, including humans.

“Vigilant surveillance, research and education are the best tools we have to prevent pandemics before they occur,” said Suzan Murray, director of SGH.