A toxic algae bloom is killing thousands of marine animals in seas off the coast of southern California, Hundreds of dead dolphins and sea lions washed up along the beaches as mammal rescue organisations found themselves overwhelmed with distress calls made by onlookers.

Hundreds of dolphins and sea lions die in California due to toxic algae | Trending on WION

The Amazon rainforest represents close to half of the world’s rainforest regions. If the Amazon rainforests disappear, the entire world would be adversely affected. In our next report, we tell you more about Brazil’s plan in building an amazon co2 monitor that will spray carbon dioxide into the rainforests. Take a look.

Brazil pushes for a bid to spray co2 into amazon rainforest in preservation attempt

Paris is all set to host talks on eliminating plastic waste. Countries are meeting to work on a global plastic treaty to limit the production of plastics around the world. Coinciding with talks on eliminating plastic waste, climate advocacy group Greenpeace unveiled a five-meter-tall artwork on Sunday.

Clamour for Paris plastic pollution treaty

From air pollution to waste management, here are some of the most pressing environmental issues in India this year.

Five biggest environmental issues in India in 2023

A historic drought in Uruguay has left the reservoirs almost dry. Low rainfall and high temperatures across the southern region of South America have affected crops in Argentina and have triggered steep farm losses.

Uruguayans pray for rain as reservoir left with 10 days of water

Scientists suffering insults and mass spam abandon Twitter for alternative social networks.

Climate scientists flee twitter as hostility surges

Sea urchins in Israel's Gulf of Aqaba are dying at an alarming rate. According to researchers, this is now threatening the red sea's precious coral reef ecosystems.

Red sea corals threatened by mass sea urchin die-off

Asia's water and energy supplies are at risk, as researchers say climate change impacts pose 'grave threats' to 10 major rivers.

Asia water, energy supplies at risk

U.S. Climate envoy John Kerry warned of more disruption and destruction to the world than occurs in certain wars as a consequence of the climate crisis.

US Climate envoy: 'Lot of chatter', but no action

Hundreds of climate activists stormed a private jet convention at Geneva airport on Tuesday to demand a ban on private jets over their out-sized climate impact.

Climate protests over private jets disrupt Geneva Airport flight

Security shielded shell ceo and the firm's board of directors. As climate protesters tried unsuccessfully to storm the stage at the annual shareholders' meeting.

Climate activists storm shareholders meet

An endangered and unusually bold Mediterranean monk seal has drawn crowds of onlookers to a beach in Tel Aviv.

Female seal, Yulia, draws crowds

As the climate warms, more people are seeking air conditioning to stay cool. But air conditioning itself can exacerbate global warming.

How cold air is heating the world

A study finds a warming planet and human water consumption are largely responsible for a rapid decline in the world's lake levels, with implications for billions of people.

Half of world's lakes shrink in last 30 years: Study

<p>India's Ministry of Railways announced that they are planning to create an online ticket booking facility for passengers who want to travel with pet dogs and cats on trains. The recent development will make it easier for people to bring their four-legged pets on the train journey.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The pet parents, who wish to travel along with their four-legged companions, have till now faced a few challenges when they try to book tickets for them on the train. However, with the recent announcement, the situation might change soon as Indian Railways is now working towards resolving this issue.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A proposal has been prepared by the Ministry of Railway to begin an online ticket booking facility for booking tickets for pet dogs and cats. This facility would allow passengers to avoid the long queues which they have been facing till now at the parcel booking counters and book tickets for the pets from their homes.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ | </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/dog-escapes-new-owner-walks-64-km-on-foot-back-to-his-previous-home-after-27-day-long-journey-587840">Dog escapes new owner, walks 64 km on foot back to his previous home after 27-day-long journey&nbsp;</a></p>

<h2><strong>Hassle in booking tickets for pets</strong></h2>

<p>Earlier, people had to buy tickets for 1st Class AC, cabins or coupes for their pets and get reservations for the whole coupe through the parcel booking counters present on the platform. The reservations took place on the day of travel.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Passengers were also permitted to carry their four-legged pets inside a box in the second-class luggage and brake van. The process, however, was inconvenient for them. Hence. the Ministry of Railways will start booking tickets for pets online.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>New proposal for online booking of train tickets for pets</strong></h2>

<p>An online booking facility has been proposed for pets travelling in AC-1 class of trains by the Ministry of Railways. In the proposal, the TTEs were given the power to book pets on board. The ministry further hopes that the process will make it easier for passengers to travel with pets more conveniently and comfortably.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to The Statesman, CRIS (Centre for Railway Information Systems) has been asked by the Railway board to make changes in the software so as to start the online booking facility on the IRCTC website. The report further stated once the online facility starts, passengers will be able to book tickets for pets online on the IRCTC website through their laptops or mobile after the train's first chart is prepared.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH | Gravitas | New Zealand plans 'cat-killing' competition</strong></p>

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<h2><strong>Conditions for booking tickets for pets animals</strong></h2>

<p>However, the passenger will be able to book tickets for pets only after their own tickets are confirmed. The railway officials stated that TTE will also be given the authority to book tickets for dogs and cats after the online facility starts.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The pets will travel in the SLR coach, which remains reserved for the guard. The pet parents can provide water, and food to their animals at train stoppages. However, the passengers need to have their tickets confirmed and no refund will be provided to them in case of cancellation.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, if the train is delayed by more than three hours or cancelled, the authorities will not refund the animal ticket fee. Large domestic animals like cows, horses and buffaloes will be transported in good trains.</p>

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India's Ministry of Railways announced that they are planning to create an online ticket booking facility for passengers who want to travel with pet dogs and cats on trains.

India's Ministry of Railways announced that they are planning to create an online ticket booking facility for passengers who want to travel with pet dogs and cats on trains. The recent development will make it easier for people to bring their four-legged pets on the train journey. The pet parents, who wish to travel along with their four-legged companions, have till now faced a few challenges when they try to book tickets for them on the train. However, with the recent announcement, the situation might change soon as Indian Railways is now working towards resolving this issue. A proposal has been prepared by the Ministry of Railway to begin an online ticket booking facility for booking tickets for pet dogs and cats. This facility would allow passengers to avoid the long queues which they have been facing till now at the parcel booking counters and book tickets for the pets from their homes. ALSO READ | Dog escapes new owner, walks 64 km on foot back to his previous home after 27-day-long journey Hassle in booking tickets for pets Earlier, people had to buy tickets for 1st Class AC, cabins or coupes for their pets and get reservations for the whole coupe through the parcel booking counters present on the platform. The reservations took place on the day of travel. Passengers were also permitted to carry their four-legged pets inside a box in the second-class luggage and brake van. The process, however, was inconvenient for them. Hence. the Ministry of Railways will start booking tickets for pets online. New proposal for online booking of train tickets for pets An online booking facility has been proposed for pets travelling in AC-1 class of trains by the Ministry of Railways. In the proposal, the TTEs were given the power to book pets on board. The ministry further hopes that the process will make it easier for passengers to travel with pets more conveniently and comfortably. According to The Statesman, CRIS (Centre for Railway Information Systems) has been asked by the Railway board to make changes in the software so as to start the online booking facility on the IRCTC website. The report further stated once the online facility starts, passengers will be able to book tickets for pets online on the IRCTC website through their laptops or mobile after the train's first chart is prepared. WATCH | Gravitas | New Zealand plans 'cat-killing' competition Conditions for booking tickets for pets animals However, the passenger will be able to book tickets for pets only after their own tickets are confirmed. The railway officials stated that TTE will also be given the authority to book tickets for dogs and cats after the online facility starts. The pets will travel in the SLR coach, which remains reserved for the guard. The pet parents can provide water, and food to their animals at train stoppages. However, the passengers need to have their tickets confirmed and no refund will be provided to them in case of cancellation. However, if the train is delayed by more than three hours or cancelled, the authorities will not refund the animal ticket fee. Large domestic animals like cows, horses and buffaloes will be transported in good trains. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

India: IRCTC to allow passengers to book train tickets for pets online. Here's how it will happen.

Spain's Donana wetland has been a rich farming area for decades and a wildlife haven for centuries. But climate change is drying it out and has set regional and national authorities on a collision course over how to safeguard its future.

Water War: Farms, Wildlife at risk as Spanish wetland shrinks

India plans to stop building new coal-fired power plants, apart from those already in the pipeline, by removing a key clause from the final draft of its national electricity policy.

India amends power policy draft

Topless climate activists on Thursday blocked traffic on a busy street in central Rome. The demonstrations were to protest against the Italian government's climate policy after torrential rains killed two people. Eric Njoka brings you the report.

Topless climate activists block street in Rome

A colony of 32 penguins in Singapore have been transported from the old Jurong bird park to a new park named bird paradise.

Penguins waddle into new home in Singapore

In an effort to help clean up the Adriatic sea and reduce pollution in future. Teams of divers recently recovered more than a tonne of rubbish from the shallows around Croatia's Mljet Island.

Volunteer divers collect rubbish from Croatian Island

Colombia may finally have found a solution to one of the legacies of notorious drug dealer Pablo Escobar - the fast-breeding invasive Hippopotamus.

Colombia grapples with Escobar's Hippopotamus legacy

Climbing methane levels in the atmosphere are contributing to the overall rise in greenhouse gases.

Methane emissions are driving climate change

According to a recent study, Antarctic ice sheets risk breaking into the sea faster than previously predicted.

Ice is melting 20x faster than thought

Growing numbers of loggerhead sea turtles are nesting and laying eggs on western Mediterranean beaches in what some scientists suggest could be a case of climate change causing habitat expansion of a threatened species.

Global warming helping turtles colonise Mediterranean

<p>Today, 7 April 2023, marks World Health Day. 75 years ago, the World Health Organization was also founded on the same day in 1948.&nbsp;Though it is a chance to reflect on public health achievements over the past decades, it is equally important to address current and upcoming health concerns. One is the rampant rise of animal-to-human diseases.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>What are animal-to-human diseases?&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Animal-to-human diseases, also known as zoonotic diseases, are illnesses caused by pathogens that are transmitted from vertebrate animals to humans. There are multiple ways in which pathogens can be transmitted from animals and humans.</p>

<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-posing-as-fraud-prevention-specialist-dupes-many-us-elderly-gets-33-months-prison-term-579966">Indian posing as fraud prevention specialist dupes many US elderly, gets 33 months prison term</a></p>

<h2><strong>What are the common ways of transmissions?</strong></h2>

<p>For instance, one of the ways by which these diseases which are caused by pathogens like viruses, bacteria, parasites, and fungi can be transmitted from infected animals is through direct contact.&nbsp;</p>

<p>But there are other ways too such as the transmission of pathogens through the consumption of contaminated food or water or through vectors such as ticks, mosquitoes, spiders or mites. Some of the animal-to-human diseases include Rabies, Salmonella, Lyme disease, and Ebola amoung others.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>COVID-19 and viruses which are not directly transmitted</strong></h2>

<p>One of the most fitting examples in view of the pandemic would be animal-to-human diseases such as COVID-19. Covid is caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. As per a report by World Health Organization, the SARSCoV-2 virus most probably "has its ecological reservoir in bats."</p>

<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/king-charles-backs-research-to-investigate-links-between-royal-family-and-slavery-579975">King Charles backs research to investigate links between royal family and slavery</a></p>

<p>However, since there is usually very limited close contact between humans and bats, it is more likely that transmission of SARS-CoV-2 to humans happened through an intermediate host, that is another animal species more likely to be handled by humans.</p>

<p>"This intermediate animal host could be a domestic animal, a wild animal, or a domesticated wild animal and, as of yet, has not been identified," as per WHO.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Should we fear another pandemic?</strong></h2>

<p>All of this triggers fears of new pandemics. Well, they are not unfounded. History has shown us that new infectious diseases can emerge at any time and spread rapidly across the globe. There are other ways too which can propel the transmission of these diseases.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch | Rivals Iran and Saudi Arabia hold first high-level talks in seven years</strong></p>

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<h2><strong>More ways of transmission</strong></h2>

<p>With the increasing ease and frequency of international travel, diseases can quickly spread from one part of the world to another. The risk of disease transmission also increases due to overcrowding, poor sanitation, and limited access to healthcare.</p>

<p>Another way of transmission could be climate change which can lead to the emergence and spread of new diseases. In fact, a study published by the scientific journal Nature warned in 2022 warned that climate change will make animals flee their ecosystems and seek for more livable lands. There has also been an emergence of medicine-resistant bacteria which can be difficult to treat and can spread rapidly.</p>

<p>Boost in international travel, industrial farming, trade in wild animals and deforestation also increases the risk of potentially transmitting the pathogens from animals to humans.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Exposure to wildlife can lead to new diseases in humans as many of these infectious diseases are zoonotic. All of the viruses that caused significant influenza pandemics&nbsp;either directly or indirectly originated from birds. Zoonoses first arose thousands of years ago, but within the last 20 or 30 years, they have become more prevalent.</p>

<h2><strong>What are the preventive measures?</strong></h2>

<p>However, there are preventive measures available to prepare for new pandemics. Revamping public health infrastructure and investing in research into emerging infectious diseases could be significant ways. This can also include developing vaccines and other medical countermeasures. Promoting public health messaging for good hygiene and following infection control practices are also good ways to tackle the emerging challenges.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Without preventative strategies, pandemics will emerge more often, spread more rapidly, kill more people, and affect the global economy with more devastating impact than ever before," the UN Biodiversity Expert Group warned in October 2020.</p>

<p>The World&nbsp;Organisation for Animal Health estimates that zoonotic infections account for 60% of all&nbsp;infectious diseases that affect humans. Salmonellosis is one that affects the digestive system. Others, including avian and&nbsp;swine&nbsp;flu, impact the respiratory system.</p>

<p>Rabies, on the other hand, affects the nervous&nbsp;system. The virulence of the pathogen and the disease itself, as well as the sick individual, who may be particularly sensitive to the infection, all have a significant role in how severe these diseases are in people.</p>

<p>Among birds and other mammals, there are an estimated 1.7 million undiscovered viruses, with 540,000 to 850,000 of them having the potential to infect people, according to estimations published in the journal Science in 2018. The likelihood that viruses capable of infecting people would "find" their host is, however, most significantly raised by the spread of human activities and greater interactions with wildlife.</p>

<h2><strong>Call for equity in times of health crisis</strong></h2>

<p>Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General called for equity in the face of emerging health challenges. “The history of WHO demonstrates what is possible when nations come together for a common purpose,” he said.&nbsp;</p>

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Today, 7 April 2023, marks World Health Day. 75 years ago, the World Health Organization was also founded on the same day in 1948. Though it is a chance to reflect on public health achievements over the past decades, it is equally important to address current and upcoming health concerns.

Today, 7 April 2023, marks World Health Day. 75 years ago, the World Health Organization was also founded on the same day in 1948. Though it is a chance to reflect on public health achievements over the past decades, it is equally important to address current and upcoming health concerns. One is the rampant rise of animal-to-human diseases. What are animal-to-human diseases? Animal-to-human diseases, also known as zoonotic diseases, are illnesses caused by pathogens that are transmitted from vertebrate animals to humans. There are multiple ways in which pathogens can be transmitted from animals and humans. Also Read | Indian posing as fraud prevention specialist dupes many US elderly, gets 33 months prison term What are the common ways of transmissions? For instance, one of the ways by which these diseases which are caused by pathogens like viruses, bacteria, parasites, and fungi can be transmitted from infected animals is through direct contact. But there are other ways too such as the transmission of pathogens through the consumption of contaminated food or water or through vectors such as ticks, mosquitoes, spiders or mites. Some of the animal-to-human diseases include Rabies, Salmonella, Lyme disease, and Ebola amoung others. COVID-19 and viruses which are not directly transmitted One of the most fitting examples in view of the pandemic would be animal-to-human diseases such as COVID-19. Covid is caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. As per a report by World Health Organization, the SARSCoV-2 virus most probably "has its ecological reservoir in bats." Also Read | King Charles backs research to investigate links between royal family and slavery However, since there is usually very limited close contact between humans and bats, it is more likely that transmission of SARS-CoV-2 to humans happened through an intermediate host, that is another animal species more likely to be handled by humans. "This intermediate animal host could be a domestic animal, a wild animal, or a domesticated wild animal and, as of yet, has not been identified," as per WHO. Should we fear another pandemic? All of this triggers fears of new pandemics. Well, they are not unfounded. History has shown us that new infectious diseases can emerge at any time and spread rapidly across the globe. There are other ways too which can propel the transmission of these diseases. Watch | Rivals Iran and Saudi Arabia hold first high-level talks in seven years × More ways of transmission With the increasing ease and frequency of international travel, diseases can quickly spread from one part of the world to another. The risk of disease transmission also increases due to overcrowding, poor sanitation, and limited access to healthcare. Another way of transmission could be climate change which can lead to the emergence and spread of new diseases. In fact, a study published by the scientific journal Nature warned in 2022 warned that climate change will make animals flee their ecosystems and seek for more livable lands. There has also been an emergence of medicine-resistant bacteria which can be difficult to treat and can spread rapidly. Boost in international travel, industrial farming, trade in wild animals and deforestation also increases the risk of potentially transmitting the pathogens from animals to humans. Exposure to wildlife can lead to new diseases in humans as many of these infectious diseases are zoonotic. All of the viruses that caused significant influenza pandemics either directly or indirectly originated from birds. Zoonoses first arose thousands of years ago, but within the last 20 or 30 years, they have become more prevalent. What are the preventive measures? However, there are preventive measures available to prepare for new pandemics. Revamping public health infrastructure and investing in research into emerging infectious diseases could be significant ways. This can also include developing vaccines and other medical countermeasures. Promoting public health messaging for good hygiene and following infection control practices are also good ways to tackle the emerging challenges. "Without preventative strategies, pandemics will emerge more often, spread more rapidly, kill more people, and affect the global economy with more devastating impact than ever before," the UN Biodiversity Expert Group warned in October 2020. The World Organisation for Animal Health estimates that zoonotic infections account for 60% of all infectious diseases that affect humans. Salmonellosis is one that affects the digestive system. Others, including avian and swine flu, impact the respiratory system. Rabies, on the other hand, affects the nervous system. The virulence of the pathogen and the disease itself, as well as the sick individual, who may be particularly sensitive to the infection, all have a significant role in how severe these diseases are in people. Among birds and other mammals, there are an estimated 1.7 million undiscovered viruses, with 540,000 to 850,000 of them having the potential to infect people, according to estimations published in the journal Science in 2018. The likelihood that viruses capable of infecting people would "find" their host is, however, most significantly raised by the spread of human activities and greater interactions with wildlife. Call for equity in times of health crisis Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General called for equity in the face of emerging health challenges. “The history of WHO demonstrates what is possible when nations come together for a common purpose,” he said. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

World Health Day 2023: With animal-to-human diseases on rise, should we fear another pandemic?

In a revolutionary decision the European union has banned new sales of combustion-engine cars from 2035.

EU agrees to exempt e-fuels from 2035

Plastics are responsible for wide-ranging health effects including cancers, lung disease and birth defects.

How much plastic is too much plastic?

Snow conditions in the alps have been very mixed this season, with unseasonably warm temperatures and low snowfall. So, if you are planning to visit the alps, then don't get disheartened. There are other ways to enjoy your trip.

What can holiday goers do if there's no snow?  | WION Climate Tracker

Are you reaching for your allergy medicines earlier each year? Do the sniffles take over your life sooner than they used to? You’re not imagining it — your allergies are making you suffer — that too way longer than usual. But who is the culprit? Its our changing climate.

Are your symptoms lasting longer than usual? | WION Climate Tracker

<p>In a bizarre incident, train services have been halted in the Netherlands due to badgers burrowing under the railway tracks. The majority of the cancellations and line closures have been reported in the northern and southern parts of the Netherlands.&nbsp;</p>

<p>On Tuesday (March 21) afternoon, all train services were brought to a screeching halt on the busy line between the&nbsp;southern cities of Den Bosch and Boxtel, informed&nbsp;ProRail, the company maintaining the Dutch rail network.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to experts, badgers like to dig into the steep sides of earthen dikes that carry Dutch train tracks. To provide an alternative, railway workers are planning to build a sandy hillock where the badgers can dig their homes without proving to be a nuisance.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>Services will not be able to resume quickly as badgers are protected animals in the European country. To move&nbsp;them from their burrowing space or disturb their habitat requires legal permission. Only after that, the repair work can be undertaken by the railway authorities.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/deadly-fungus-spreading-across-the-us-leaves-agencies-puzzled-574162"><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;Deadly fungus spreading across the US leaves agencies puzzled</strong></a></p>

<p>John Voppen, CEO of ProRail appealed to the authorities to speed up the process so that the rail services can be resumed as soon as possible.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I note that we have to suspend train traffic for the second time in a week because badgers undermine a railway track and that it then takes a lot of time to tackle this because we have to get permission from the competent authority," said Voppen.</p>

<p>"In the interests of travellers and carriers, more space is needed to take action more quickly. We are of course in urgent consultation with the Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management about this."</p>

<p>Notably, this is not the first instance when these little animals have brought the rail services to a halt. Earlier this month, the badgers took to burrowing under the tracks of the northern village of Molkwerum in Friesland province.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/wion-wideangle-indian-railways-170-years-and-going-strong-506380"><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;WION WIDEANGLE | INDIAN RAILWAYS: 170 YEARS AND GOING STRONG</strong></a></p>

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<p>The services on one of the lines in the region has been shut for at least next month as ProAm continues to seek permission for shifting the animals.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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In a bizarre incident, train services have been halted in the Netherlands due to badgers burrowing under the railway tracks. The majority of the cancellations and line closures have been reported in the northern and southern parts of the Netherlands.

In a bizarre incident, train services have been halted in the Netherlands due to badgers burrowing under the railway tracks. The majority of the cancellations and line closures have been reported in the northern and southern parts of the Netherlands. On Tuesday (March 21) afternoon, all train services were brought to a screeching halt on the busy line between the southern cities of Den Bosch and Boxtel, informed ProRail, the company maintaining the Dutch rail network. According to experts, badgers like to dig into the steep sides of earthen dikes that carry Dutch train tracks. To provide an alternative, railway workers are planning to build a sandy hillock where the badgers can dig their homes without proving to be a nuisance. Services will not be able to resume quickly as badgers are protected animals in the European country. To move them from their burrowing space or disturb their habitat requires legal permission. Only after that, the repair work can be undertaken by the railway authorities. ALSO READ | Deadly fungus spreading across the US leaves agencies puzzled John Voppen, CEO of ProRail appealed to the authorities to speed up the process so that the rail services can be resumed as soon as possible. "I note that we have to suspend train traffic for the second time in a week because badgers undermine a railway track and that it then takes a lot of time to tackle this because we have to get permission from the competent authority," said Voppen. "In the interests of travellers and carriers, more space is needed to take action more quickly. We are of course in urgent consultation with the Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management about this." Notably, this is not the first instance when these little animals have brought the rail services to a halt. Earlier this month, the badgers took to burrowing under the tracks of the northern village of Molkwerum in Friesland province. WATCH | WION WIDEANGLE | INDIAN RAILWAYS: 170 YEARS AND GOING STRONG × The services on one of the lines in the region has been shut for at least next month as ProAm continues to seek permission for shifting the animals. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Rail services halted in parts of the Netherlands due to badgers burrowing under tracks

<p>New research is claiming to be the strongest proof that the Covid virus jumped from animals to humans. The study is based on analysis of samples collected from an animal market in Wuhan, China, from the initial days of the pandemic.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The samples discovered evidence of the novel coronavirus' presence along with genetic material in various animals, including raccoon dogs which are highly susceptible to the virus, as per a report published on the Zenodo.org open science website on Monday. &nbsp;</p>

<p>According to the report, in a few samples, more animal genetic material was found compared to human genetic material which indicates the possibility of SARS-CoV-2 infections in animals.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The sequences showed that raccoon dogs and other animals susceptible to the coronavirus were present in the market and may have been infected, providing a new clue in the chain of transmission that eventually reached humans," the report stated.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |</strong> <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-calls-icc-to-avoid-double-standards-after-putins-arrest-warrant-573942">China calls ICC to avoid 'double standards' after Putin's arrest warrant</a></p>

<p>"This adds to the body of evidence identifying the Huanan market as the spillover location of Sars-CoV-2 and the epicentre of the COVID-19 pandemic," it added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The virus was identified for the first time in Wuhan in December 2019 as many suspected the Huanan live animal market can be the source of pandemic.<br />
The study has till now not been reviewed by the scientific community. China has been called out by the World Health Organization for fully sharing the genetic data which was analysed by the researchers.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“I worry a lot about our jumping on tidbits that are incomplete and cannot be verified,” stated David Relman, who works as a professor of microbiology and immunology at Stanford University. “I think we need to take a deep breath and insist on the kind of process and science that any important issue, especially this one, deserves," he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This is the latest report that has emerged from the researchers' frantic search for answers on how the pandemic started. On Monday, a bill was signed into law by US President Joe Biden to declassify intelligence on COVID-19's origin.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Wary West tries to decode China's motives in Ukraine-Russia war</strong></p>

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<p>In a press conference on Friday, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said, “These data do not provide a definitive answer to the question of how the pandemic began but every piece of data is important in moving us closer to that answer.”</p>

<p>Meanwhile, Stephen Goldstein, a virologist at the University of Utah who participated in the analysis, said, “It’s the first time we’ve been able to identify a genetic fingerprint of the virus and a potential intermediate host in the exact same place. It’s completely consistent and expected from what you’d see in a zoonotic spillover event.”&nbsp;</p>

<p>Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin said that the country has "always supported and participated in global scientific co-operation on origin tracing" and it will continue to do so, but added that the international scientific community should also share "their research on the virus originating from other regions of the world with China".</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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New research is claiming to be the strongest proof that the Covid virus jumped from animals to humans. The study is based on analysis of samples collected from an animal market in Wuhan, China, from the initial days of the pandemic.

New research is claiming to be the strongest proof that the Covid virus jumped from animals to humans. The study is based on analysis of samples collected from an animal market in Wuhan, China, from the initial days of the pandemic. The samples discovered evidence of the novel coronavirus' presence along with genetic material in various animals, including raccoon dogs which are highly susceptible to the virus, as per a report published on the Zenodo.org open science website on Monday. According to the report, in a few samples, more animal genetic material was found compared to human genetic material which indicates the possibility of SARS-CoV-2 infections in animals. "The sequences showed that raccoon dogs and other animals susceptible to the coronavirus were present in the market and may have been infected, providing a new clue in the chain of transmission that eventually reached humans," the report stated. ALSO READ | China calls ICC to avoid 'double standards' after Putin's arrest warrant "This adds to the body of evidence identifying the Huanan market as the spillover location of Sars-CoV-2 and the epicentre of the COVID-19 pandemic," it added. The virus was identified for the first time in Wuhan in December 2019 as many suspected the Huanan live animal market can be the source of pandemic. The study has till now not been reviewed by the scientific community. China has been called out by the World Health Organization for fully sharing the genetic data which was analysed by the researchers. “I worry a lot about our jumping on tidbits that are incomplete and cannot be verified,” stated David Relman, who works as a professor of microbiology and immunology at Stanford University. “I think we need to take a deep breath and insist on the kind of process and science that any important issue, especially this one, deserves," he added. This is the latest report that has emerged from the researchers' frantic search for answers on how the pandemic started. On Monday, a bill was signed into law by US President Joe Biden to declassify intelligence on COVID-19's origin. WATCH | Wary West tries to decode China's motives in Ukraine-Russia war In a press conference on Friday, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said, “These data do not provide a definitive answer to the question of how the pandemic began but every piece of data is important in moving us closer to that answer.” Meanwhile, Stephen Goldstein, a virologist at the University of Utah who participated in the analysis, said, “It’s the first time we’ve been able to identify a genetic fingerprint of the virus and a potential intermediate host in the exact same place. It’s completely consistent and expected from what you’d see in a zoonotic spillover event.” Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin said that the country has "always supported and participated in global scientific co-operation on origin tracing" and it will continue to do so, but added that the international scientific community should also share "their research on the virus originating from other regions of the world with China". (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Traces of COVID-19 in Wuhan's animal market spark debate over origin of pandemic

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