A team of scientists discovered coronaviruses that are closely related to SARS-CoV-2 from two bats sampled in Cambodia over a decade ago. These findings, together with the recent finding of the closest ancestors of SARS-CoV-2 in cave-dwelling bats in Laos, indicate that coronaviruses have a wider geographical distribution than previously thought, and supports the theory that the pandemic originated through spillover from bats.

 

By using metagenomic sequencing, the researchers identified viruses nearly identical to SARS-CoV-2 in two Shamel’s horseshoe bats (Rhinolophus shameli) that were originally sampled in 2010. These findings suggest that SARS-CoV-2-related coronaviruses likely circulate via a diversity of Rhinolophus species.

 

According to the study authors, the current knowledge of the geographical distribution of SARS-CoV-1 and SARS-CoV-2 lineages probably reflect a lack of sampling in countries from Southeast Asia, including Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam, as well as several Chinese provinces, such as Yunnan and Guanxi.

 

read more https://www.khmertimeskh.com/50977213/bats-from-cambodia-identified-as-having-coronaviruses-related-to-sars-cov-2/

 

 

AND ....

 

More fear monging headliners.  I'd be more concerned about the Hep B & C in monkeys the scratch & bite tourist, locals & expats here.

 

When was the last time you got bit, scratched by or ate a bat.  If cooked properly, no worries ????