AP23OA000000C004

The purpose of this award is to expand knowledge of species susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 to improve understanding of potential roles or routes of transmission. The project will combine mathematical modeling, field sampling, genomic surveillance, biochemical analysis, and immunological studies to address outstanding knowledge gaps on the importance of the human-animal interface in SARS-CoV-2 transmission and the establishment of wildlife reservoirs.

Specifically, the project will use mathematical models and field data to evaluate which animal species are most important for maintaining and transmitting SARS-CoV-2. The project will also examine transmission pathways that facilitate the movement of SARS-CoV-2 between humans, wildlife, and companion animals. Using changes in SARS-CoV-2 infections in animals over time, we will evaluate viral prevalence in relation to human cases, animal reproductive cycles, and other factors to determine seasonal risk of SARS-CoV-2 transmission.

Finally, using molecular modeling, biophysical, biochemical, and immunological studies, the project will determine the SARS-CoV-2 mutations that are associated with animals, and whether these mutations affect infectivity and immune escape of the virus in different hosts. This research represents a foundational step for understanding the ecology of SARS-CoV-2 at the human-animal interface.

This project will enhance understanding of the role of animals in the maintenance of SARS-CoV-2, providing critical information for agricultural and wildlife resource managers and the general public. Furthermore, this work will expose previously uncharacterized species that may serve as reservoirs for SARS-CoV-2, and whether new variants are likely to emerge from animal communities, thus providing key information for public health surveillance programs. Finally, our work seeks to engage underserved communities to improve human and wildlife health.

The recipient must meet the objectives and deliverables stated in their work plan and must complete quarterly financial and performance reports and a final accomplishment report. Findings will help inform wildlife managers, rehabilitators, veterinarians, public health officials, and state and federal agencies. The community will be the ultimate beneficiary and will generate accessible material to highlight the relevance to public health.

There are contracts/sub-awards for Eppendorf (two epMotion liquid handlers and maintenance; objectives 1 and 4); Eurofins (provides amplicon sequencing to test swabs, objective 1); small equipment calibration (on-site pipette calibration service, objectives 1, 2, and 4); and Illumina service (for NovaSeq 6000 system needed for whole-genome sequencing, objectives 2 and 4).

Virginia Polytechnic Institute & State University

10.025 - Plant and Animal Disease, Pest Control, and Animal Care

Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) [USDA]

Virginia United States

State-Wide

USDA APHIS American Rescue Plan: SARS-CoV-2 in Animals (USDA-APHIS-10025-OA000000-23-0001)

COVID-19 $4,997,658 (100%) percent of this Cooperative Agreement was funded by COVID-19 emergency acts including the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021.