- A new analysis of genetic samples collected from a seafood market in central China's Wuhan city shows the presence of the SARS-CoV-2 virus in raccoon dogs sold at the venue, strengthening the case for the natural origin of the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Analysis established that raccoon dogs that are related to foxes and are known to be able to transmit the coronavirus deposited genetic signatures.
- However, the final results could not be reached as the uploaded gene sequences now have been removed from the international scientific database, GISAID (Global Initiative on Sharing Avian Influenza Data).