MOLECULAR PATHOGENESIS AND ADAPTATION OF SARS-COV-2 IN WHITE-TAILED DEER AND IMPLICATIONS FOR SPILLOVER TO CATTLE AND PIGS

The secondary spread of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) from humans to other animals has been extensively described in multiple animal species. In particular, natural SARS-CoV-2 infection of White-tailed deer across the USA has been documented. It is well-established that disease-causing microorganisms can pass between deer and livestock species such as cattle. Therefore, continued circulation of SARS-CoV-2 in deer poses a significant risk of infection in cattle and pigs. In this regard, using advanced molecular approaches, this project will address critical questions, Can the SARS-CoV-2 adaptation in deer make it more efficient to infect cattle and pigs? And Have the new SARS-CoV-2 variants spilled over into cattle and pigs in the USA? The outcomes of this project are of significant relevance to US animal agriculture as deer, cattle, and pigs are of substantial economic importance and shape the livelihoods and culture of regions throughout the United States.