Scientists seek to prevent the possible spread of the virus.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has invested $300 million into research to track COVID-19 transmission through animals. The USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service will use this funding to develop easy-to-use field tests to quickly identify an infection present in both wild and domestic animals. They will also track how long the virus lingers in different animals, such as deer and elk, allowing them to better monitor potential mutations that occur outside of human infections.
“Scientific research undergirds USDA’s programs and policies,” said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. “The new tools and data generated from this research will provide the insights necessary to accelerate our understanding of the COVID virus and help us build a more resilient national capacity to address future disease threats.”
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For USDA scientists as they research the possible spread of the coronavirus in animals.
- For discernment for Secretary Vilsack as he heads the effort to determine the transmissibility of the coronavirus.
Sources: Department of Agriculture, Reuters
