SARS-CoV-2 occurrence in cervids in the United States and US territories

Scientific Reports 2026 Open access

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Authors: Sarah N. Bevins, Richard B. Chipman, Scott F. Beckerman, David L. Bergman, Derek T. Collins, Thomas Jude Deliberto, Joshua P. Eckery, Jeremy W. Ellis, Allen L. Gosser, Jonathon D. Heale, Jason M. Klemm, Hannah Cluett
+15 more Kali Ward, Kristina Lantz, Timothy J. Linder, Mitch Oswald, Robert Pleszewski, Christopher Quintanal, Jourdan M. Ringenberg, Sean P. Streich, Kelsey R. Weir, Aaron T. Phillips, Bledar Bisha, Mia Kim Torchetti, Julianna B. Lenoch, Jeffrey C. Chandler, Susan A. Shriner
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-026-35967-8
Cited by: 0
References: 24

Abstract

SARS-CoV-2 was found in multiple cervid species throughout the United States from October 2021 through October 2023 and results reinforce findings of considerable viral spillover from people to cervids. Data demonstrate changes in viral and neutralizing antibody prevalence over time and as well as viral variants that differed from what was circulating in human populations. Continued monitoring can help pinpoint what is driving changes in prevalence and how those changes alter risk to both wildlife and human populations.

Fields of Study & Subjects

SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19 Research Zoonotic diseases and public health Animal Virus Infections Studies

Publication details

Journal / source
Scientific Reports
Volume
16
Issue
1
Pages
5285–5285
Publication date
15 January 2026
Language
EN