Hyderabad:Though the novel coronavirus is just a micro-organism that cannot be seen through the naked eye, it is at present troubling the entire world. Millions of people are dying as a result of this infection. What is the source of this virus? Where did it originate from? Is it right to believe that it originated from the nocturnal animals like bats?
A group of researchers and bat-conservation scientists from South Asian countries have been stating that this might not be wholly true to say so. They say that the role of bats in the spread of COVID-19 is only a misconception. The false propaganda that coronavirus originated from bats has raised concerns about the removal or killing of these beings from in and around human habitats.
However, a joint statement by 64 researchers and scientists from six South Asian countries has been released, said Professor Srinivas, faculty at the Osmania University, Hyderabad. He made it clear that bats do not spread Covid-19. Hence, he appealed to the public that it is not advisable to hurt and kill the bats, by lighting fires and fireworks near the habitat areas of the animals with a view to getting rid of them.
Bat coronavirus and COVID-19 not the same
Recent research by ICMR identified bat coronavirus in two species of bats. On the other hand, the novel coronavirus, at present, is prevalent among human beings. “Humans are in danger of encountering new viruses as they infiltrate wildlife habitats. These viruses can come from bats or any other wildlife,” said Arinjay Banerjee, a postdoctoral researcher at McMaster University in Canada.