Scientists first identified coronavirus in animals in

Coronaviruses were first identified in animals in the 1960s. They are a large family of viruses that can infect both animals and humans; causing illnesses ranging from the common cold to severe respiratory diseases. Over time; certain strains of coronavirus have crossed into humans; leading to outbreaks such as SARS; MERS; and most recently COVID-19. The study of coronaviruses since the 1960s has been crucial in understanding their transmission; mutation; and impact on public health.