The report by scientists at the University of Missouri and the USDA identified the virus in rats. The report also says rats can carry different COVID-19 variants.
Experts studied 80 Norwegian rats in Brooklyn and found about 16% of them had antibodies for the coronavirus.
Officials are concerned the mutation could jump from rats to humans because it is clear the virus has already gone from humans to animals.
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Police: 16-year-old stabbed by another teen during dispute inside Staten Island Mall
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