According to a study conducted by an international team of virus experts, the deadly COVID-19 pandemic originated from the raccoon dogs in the Wuhan market, China. The new study, which has not yet been published, is being led by experts from the University of Arizona, the University of Utah, the University of Sydney, and the Scripps Research Institute. The findings of the study are based on the genetic information obtained from swabs taken in and around the Huanan Seafood Wholesale Market beginning in January 2020.

Despite the fact that the market was shut down by the Chinese government after it was connected to the COVID epidemic, the researchers were able to collect samples by swabbing the walls, floors, metal cages, and carts that are used to transport animal cages. The results showed that the genetic analysis matched the raccoon dog.

These findings supported the idea that a wild animal had accidentally exposed people to the virus. Yet, the experts added that the viruss genetic material is sufficiently stable, and it is unclear precisely when it was dumped at the market. The presence of genetic material from humans and other animals in the samples was also noted by them. 

(Source: https://www.daijiworld.com/news/newsDisplay?newsID=1061127 )