We’re thrilled to announce a new collaboration with Penn State University with the intention of integrating our biosurveillance capabilities into the university’s research of 58 wildlife species for SARS-CoV-2 to monitor potential spillover to humans. The initiative is supported by a cooperative agreement awarded to Penn State from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (USDA APHIS).
The university’s research on under-sampled species aims to bridge a surveillance gap by providing data that will allow more accurate and informed interventions to prevent the spread and impact of new SARS-CoV-2 variants. In partnering with Ginkgo Biosecurity, the university will gain access to the biosurveillance research and analytics capabilities to help build more stable and robust biosecurity infrastructure.
Penn State researchers will study samples from a variety of species of wildlife. The research aims not only to identify which animal species are infected with SARS-CoV-2, but also identify which animals can transmit the virus and thereby play a role in the observed viral persistence in these wild populations. The partners believe the research will provide data that can help support informed decision-making by public health officials.
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