Coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) in Antillean Manatees (Trichechus Manatusmanatus)

Abstract

Abstract For two years, the world has been experiencing a coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic. Non-human animals are susceptible to the virus, including marine mammals. Here we aimed to test Antillean manatees, Trichechus manatus manatus, for the coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2). We collected samples from 19 individuals kept under the responsibility of the Brazilian centre for research and conservation of aquatic mammals (ICMBio/CMA). We analysed the samples through RT-PCR and RT-LAMP-PCR and found that two of the 19 manatees tested positive for SARS-CoV-2. Such a result led to a new biosecurity protocol in the ICMBio/CMA to avoid potential human-manatee coronavirus contamination, showing how we can use simple genetic tools to improve the care and conservation of manatees.