COVID-19 pandemic and animals
The COVID-19 pandemic has affected animals directly and indirectly. SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, is zoonotic, which likely to have originated from animals such as bats and pangolins.[1][2][3] Human impact on wildlife and animal habitats may be causing such spillover events to become much more likely.[4][5] The largest incident to date was the culling of 14 to 17 million mink in Denmark after it was discovered that they were infected with a mutant strain of the virus.[6][7]
While research is inconclusive, pet owners reported that their animals contributed to better mental health and lower loneliness during COVID-19 lockdowns.[8][9] However, contact with humans infected with the virus could have adverse effects on pet animals.[10]
Human–animal interaction[edit]
Reduced human presence has the potential to bring both relief and disruption to different animal habitats. It may lead to more poaching of endangered wildlife.[45] Wild animals have been observed relaxing their avoidance of human habitats while COVID-19 lockdowns are in effect.[46] Instances have been observed of severe plagues of mice co-occurring with mouse-adapted SARS-CoV-2 virus variants circulating.[47] Studies were conducted to measure the wildlife activity and human interaction where animal activity was shown to increase as human disturbance has decreased significantly.[17]
Decreased roadkill incidence has been reported during lockdowns, including a significant decrease in roadkill deaths for mountain lions in California.[48]