The origin of SARS-CoV-2 virus responsible for COVID-19 is both of interest to epidemiologists and politicians.  Studies conducted at the University of Glasgow* indicate that in all probability the SARS-CoV-2 and a sarbecovirus reservoir in bats diverged in the late 1940's. It is presumed that the lineage preceding SARS-CoV-2 has been circulating in bats undetected for many decades.  The sarbecovirus lineage from which both MERS and COVID-19 evolved undergoes frequent recombination and exhibits diversity on a regional basis in China.  The specific genes responsible for the ACE2 receptors responsible for infectivity are an ancestral trait shared with bat viruses and are of ancient origin.

This publication indicates the need to maintain constant surveillance over viruses present in wildlife and especially bats. Diverse species of bats in Asia are responsible for the emergence of Hendra and Nipah disease, in SARS, MERS over recent decades and during the past year Covid-19.  Withholding research funds and failure to cooperate with national and regional laboratories and the WHObased on political considerations is not in the long-term interests of the U.S.

*Boni,M.F.et al Evolutionary origins of the SARS-CoV-2 sarbecovirus lineage responsible for the COVID-19 pandemic. Nature Microbiology. doi.org/10.1038/s41564-020-0771-4 July 28 2020