Experimental susceptibility of North American raccoons ( <i>Procyon lotor</i> ) and striped skunks ( <i>Mephitis mephitis</i> ) to SARS-CoV-2

Abstract

Abstract Skunks and raccoons were intranasally inoculated or indirectly exposed to SARS-CoV-2. Both species are susceptible to infection; however, the lack of, and low quantity of infectious virus shed by raccoons and skunks, respectively, and lack of cage mate transmission in both species, suggest that neither species are competent SARS-CoV-2 reservoirs. Article Summary Line Experimental SARS-CoV-2 inoculation of North American raccoons and striped skunks showed susceptibility to infection, but transient, low-level shedding suggests that neither species is likely to be a competent natural reservoir.