Lung Disease & Respiratory Health Center

SARS Prompts Broader Powers for WHO

Animal Link to SARS Explored

Research teams in Hong Kong and Shenzhen, China have also reported that wild animals taken from a local market in southern China tested positive for several coronaviruses that are genetically very similar to the previously unknown coronavirus that causes SARS.

One of the animals also tested positive for antibodies to the SARS virus. These exotic animals are considered delicacies in the region and are sold for human consumption.

The WHO says this study is the first evidence that the SARS virus may exist outside humans, but it does not prove that the virus was transmitted from animals to humans. Officials say much more study is needed to determine if animals may play a role in SARS transmission.