German researchers have discovered two suitable animal candidates for testing potential vaccines and new medicines before human trials. The Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut is searching for animals that reflect human infection to better understand the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, observe it in the laboratory, and ultimately test vaccines and medicines on humans. The preliminary evaluation shows that chickens and pigs are not suitable for experiments with the virus, but ferrets and fruit bats are. Ferrets, in particular, are well-suited as laboratory animals because they are easier to obtain than fruit bats and are already used as a good model for humans in other respiratory infections, especially influenza viruses.
The oldest virological research facility in the world is located on the German Baltic island of Riems, which is one of the most dangerous islands in the world. The German government invested around 300 million euros in 89 laboratories and 163 stables on the island to study the most dangerous viruses and bacteria, including SARS-CoV-2, Ebola, and Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever. Scientists are working tirelessly to find a cure for the coronavirus on the isolated island. However, to better understand the virus and test vaccines and medicines on humans, animals are urgently needed as model organisms.
The Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut is currently searching for animals that reflect human infection. The preliminary evaluation shows that chickens and pigs are not suitable for experiments with the virus, but ferrets and fruit bats are. Ferrets, in particular, are well-suited as laboratory animals because they are easier to obtain than fruit bats and are already used as a good model for humans in other respiratory infections, especially influenza viruses. According to the research institute, ferrets can be infected with SARS-CoV-2 easily, reproduce the virus well, and transmit it to their peers. The discovery of these suitable animal candidates is a significant step forward in the fight against the current pandemic.
