The Briefing Room
General Category => Health/Education => Topic started by: PeteS in CA on March 28, 2020, 08:14:55 pm
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https://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-52048195 (https://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-52048195)
Coronavirus: Pangolins found to carry related strains
By Helen Briggs, BBC News
26 March 2020
Two groups of coronaviruses related to the virus behind the human pandemic have been identified in Malayan pangolins smuggled into China, said lead researcher Dr Tommy Lam of The University of Hong Kong.
"Although their role as the intermediate host of the SARS-CoV-2 outbreak remains to be confirmed, sale of these wild animals in wet markets should be strictly prohibited to avoid future zoonotic [animal to human] transmission," he told BBC News.
Bats also contain coronaviruses, which are closer still to the human virus, except in one key area - the part that helps the virus invade cells.
No pangolin steaks tonight!
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https://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-52048195 (https://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-52048195)
Coronavirus: Pangolins found to carry related strains
By Helen Briggs, BBC News
26 March 2020
No pangolin steaks tonight!
Somehow, the scales are used, I'm not sure how. They have made busts of pangolin scales in SE Asia, stories posted here.
Everything we know about the pangolin — the scaly mammal that may have spread the coronavirus to humans
Aria Bendix
Feb 9, 2020
... Pangolins are often poached for their keratin scales, which are used as ingredients in traditional Chinese medicine. Their meat is also considered a delicacy in China and Vietnam. ...
Read more at: https://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-52048195 (https://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-52048195)
So, sad, they go after the creature in Africa, maybe they were once found in Asia from what I remember.