Raccoon Dogs Implicated in Covid-19 Origins.
Raccoon dogs, a monogamous and hibernating canid species related to foxes, have been in the spotlight as scientists reveal new data on the possible origins of the Covid-19 pandemic. Although they are farmed for their fur and sold for their meat in live animal markets, it is not proven that they are the source of the virus that causes Covid-19. Raccoon dogs are known to be vectors for other diseases, including rabies, and should not be kept as pets.