Origins of COVID. The Chinese raccoon dog, also known as the "tanuki" in Japan, has been suggested as a potential link to the origins of the COVID-19 pandemic. The raccoon dog is a species native to East Asia, and has been used for fur and meat in China for centuries. It is a close relative of the fox and the domestic dog, and is also known for its susceptibility to a wide range of viruses. The COVID-19 pandemic, which has killed millions of people worldwide, is believed to have originated in a wet market in Wuhan, China, in late 2019. While the exact source of the virus is still unclear, a number of studies have suggested that the Chinese raccoon dog may have played a role in the initial transmission of the virus to humans. One theory is that the virus may have jumped from bats to raccoon dogs, which were then sold in the wet markets alongside other exotic animals like civet cats and pangolins. This could have provided an opportunity for the virus to mutate and jump to humans, possibly through contact with animal blood or other bodily fluids. Another theory is that the raccoon dog may have been infected by the virus through contact with another animal, such as a bat or a pangolin, before being sold in the wet markets. The close proximity of different species in the markets, coupled with unsanitary conditions, may have facilitated the spread of the virus. While these theories are still speculative, they highlight the importance of addressing the root causes of zoonotic diseases, which are infections that jump from animals to humans. The COVID-19 pandemic has brought global attention to the risks associated with the wildlife trade and the consumption of exotic animals, which have been linked to other outbreaks like SARS and Ebola. Wildlife products and improved animal welfare standards should be followed. This will require a concerted effort from governments, businesses, and consumers to change attitudes and behaviors around the consumption of exotic animals. While the role of the Chinese raccoon dog in the origin of the COVID-19 pandemic is still uncertain, it highlights the need for greater awareness of the risks associated with the wildlife trade and the importance of preventing zoonotic diseases. As we continue to grapple with the ongoing pandemic, it is important that we take steps to address the underlying causes of these outbreaks and work towards a more sustainable and resilient future.