Coronavirus Diversity in an Italian Bat Population Sampled During the Pandemic in 2020

Abstract

Simple Summary Bats act as natural reservoirs for many coronaviruses, harboring these pathogens asymptomatically. Owing to the emergence of zoonotic coronaviruses over the past 25 years, monitoring them directly in bat populations is critical. Identifying viruses in wildlife allows researchers to detect strains that could potentially spill over to humans and trigger future outbreaks before they occur. Tracking wildlife near human habitats reveals where human–animal interactions create potential disease hotspots. In addition, mapping current viral diversity allows scientists to design treatments ahead of time, rather than reacting after a new threat emerges. In short, searching for viruses at their source may allow us to anticipate pandemics rather than merely respond to them.