Shandong scientists analyzed 411 samples collected from 23 species of bats in China’s Yunnan province during 2019 and 2020, and found four SARS-CoV-2-related viruses.
In addition to RpYN06, the authors said in their article “the other three coronaviruses related to SARS-CoV-2 were almost identical in sequence”.
Scientists, led by Weifeng Shi, added that “relatives of SARS-CoV-2 circulate in wild species in a wide geographical region of Southeast Asia and southern China”.
They said their findings “highlight the remarkable diversity of bat viruses”, but warned that it is “essential that additional surveillance efforts cover a wider range of wildlife in this region to help track the spill of wildlife.” [viruses] from animals to humans ”.