The team, from the Smithsonian’s Global Health Programme, discovered the coronaviruses in bats in Myanmar, marking the first time that these viruses have been detected anywhere in the world. Marc Valitutto, who led the study, said: “Viral pandemics remind us how closely human health is connected to the health of wildlife and the environment. An analysis of these samples identified six new coronaviruses, as well as one coronavirus that’s previously been found in Southeast Asia. Thankfully, the new viruses don’t appear to be closely related to SARS CoV-1, MERS, or the current SARS CoV-2. Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will start in 8 Cancel Play nowHowever, it remains unclear whether or not the new coronaviruses could spillover to other species - including humans.

Source: Daily Mirror April 15, 2020 09:42 UTC