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bioRxiv · 10.1101/2023.07.14.549077

Absence of SARS-CoV-2 in Wildlife of Northeastern Minnesota and Isle Royale National Park

Castaneda, D.·Isaac, E. J.·Kautz, T.·Romanski, M. C.·Moore, S. A.·Aliota, M.
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Abstract

We investigated the presence of SARS-CoV-2 in free-ranging wildlife populations in Northeastern Minnesota on the Grand Portage Indian Reservation and Isle Royale National Park. 120 nasal samples were collected from white-tailed deer, moose, gray wolves, and black bears monitored for conservation efforts during 2022-2023. Samples were tested for viral RNA by RT-qPCR using the CDC N1/N2 primer set. Our data indicate that no wildlife samples were positive for SARS-CoV-2 RNA. Continued surveillance is therefore crucial to better understand the changing landscape of zoonotic SARS-CoV-2 in the Upper Midwest.

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Castaneda, D., Isaac, E. J., Kautz, T., Romanski, M. C., Moore, S. A., Aliota, M.. 2023-07-15. Absence of SARS-CoV-2 in Wildlife of Northeastern Minnesota and Isle Royale National Park. https://doi.org/10.1101/2023.07.14.549077

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