Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus‐2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) is the causative agent of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID‐19) pandemic, which has caused serious challenges for public health systems worldwide. Due to the close relationship between animals and humans, confirmed transmission from humans to numerous animal species has been reported. Understanding the cross‐species transmission of SARS‐CoV‐2 and the infection and transmission dynamics of SARS‐CoV‐2 in different animals is crucial to control COVID‐19 and protect animal health. In this review, the possible animal origins of SARS‐CoV‐2 and animal species naturally susceptible to SARS‐CoV‐2 infection are discussed. Furthermore, this review categorizes the SARS‐CoV‐2 susceptible animals by families, so as to better understand the relationship between SARS‐CoV‐2 and animals.

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