One Health COVID-19 Surveillance

The Story

The COVID-19 pandemic, caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, has had a devastating global impact resulting in millions of deaths worldwide.

Various animal species can be infected. Transmission between domestic animals, wildlife, the environment, and humans is a major One Health concern.

However, not much is known about transmission and spillover of SARS-CoV-2 into animal species or the environment.

The One Health COVID-19 Surveillance project is monitoring key human-animal interfaces for SARS-CoV-2 spillover, to aid in early detection to protect public health and vulnerable animal species.

What You Should Know

COVID-19 outbreaks have been detected on BC mink farms.

Mink are highly susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 and transmission to humans can occur. Little is known about whether there is virus spillover infecting wildlife surrounding the farms. We are therefore testing wildlife around BC mink farms.

British Columbia is experiencing a surge of human P1 variant cases.

The P1 variant, a mutant strain of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, is fast-spreading and may cause more severe illness compared to other strains.

Rodents can be experimentally infected with the P1 variant.

It is unknown whether natural transmission to rodents can occur. This is a significant human health concern as people can be exposed to rodents if their property has an infestation.

If you are a Lower Mainland pest control professional, we need your help!

We are testing rodents from Lower Mainland regions with high P1 variant case numbers. For more information or to sign up, please see below! Compensation will be provided.