Study indicates NYC rats can carry different variants of COVID-19

NEW YORK CITY (WABC) -- A new study indicates COVID-19 mutations have been found in New York City's rat population.

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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