Fig. 7.

Spillover of SARS-CoV-2 from humans to WTD. Multiple spillover events of SARS-CoV-2 from humans to wild WTD population were identified in several geographic areas in the State of New York (NY). Sequence analysis of SARS-CoV-2 genomes demonstrated the circulation of classical SARS-CoV-2 lineages and the cocirculation of three major VOCs (Alpha, Gamma, and Delta) in WTD. Our analysis suggests the occurrence of multiple spillover events (human to deer) of SARS-CoV-2 lineages with subsequent deer-to-deer transmission and emergence of genetically diverse viruses in this species. The potential for spillback of variant SARS-CoV-2 to humans or yet spillover from WTD to other susceptible wildlife species (e.g., mink, deer mice, raccoon, and red fox) remains unknown.