Pandemic Alert: 125 Viruses Discovered in China’s Fur Farms, Many High-Risk

A new study has revealed that animals bred on fur farms in China are hosting numerous viruses, some of which pose a significant risk of spreading to humans. The research, published in the journal *Nature*, identified dozens of viruses on these farms, including 36 that were previously unknown.

The viruses were found circulating among animals such as minks, rabbits, foxes, and raccoon dogs. Co-author John Pettersson from Uppsala University, Sweden, explained that the diverse range of animals on fur farms provides ideal conditions for viruses to evolve and potentially jump to new species, including humans.

Researchers analyzed lung and intestine samples from 461 animals that had died across China between 2021 and 2024, with 412 of these animals coming from fur farms. Their genetic analysis uncovered 125 viruses in total, 36 of which were novel. Additionally, 39 of the identified viruses were categorized as “high risk” for cross-species transmission, 13 of which had never been seen before.

Among the viruses discovered were various strains of bird flu found in animals like guinea pigs, minks, and muskrats, as well as seven types of coronaviruses, though none were closely related to SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for COVID-19.

The researchers also detected paramyxoviruses, a family of viruses known to cause measles and mumps in humans, which are capable of easily jumping between species. Pettersson noted that while the reasons for certain viruses’ ability to infect multiple species aren’t fully understood, factors such as evolutionary rates and host-virus interactions play a role. He emphasized the need for more research to better understand how viruses spread between species.

Another concerning finding was the presence of 11 zoonotic viruses—viruses that have already been observed in humans—such as hepatitis E and Japanese encephalitis. Raccoon dogs were found to carry the highest number of potentially dangerous viruses, with 10 identified in their samples. These animals, native to East Asia, resemble small foxes.

This study follows earlier warnings about the risks associated with fur farming, which is known to facilitate the transmission of viruses between different species.