What two factors prevent SARS-CoV-2 eradication like smallpox achieved?

It possesses significant animal reservoirs and an asymptomatic transmission phase

Historical eradication, successfully applied to diseases like smallpox, is contingent upon the pathogen lacking two critical epidemiological features: a significant animal reservoir capable of hosting and re-transmitting the virus back to humans, and the presence of an asymptomatic transmission phase. SARS-CoV-2 fails both of these criteria. The existence of zoonotic reservoirs means the virus can cycle indefinitely within animal populations, providing a persistent source for re-introduction into human communities even if human infection rates drop significantly. Furthermore, the virus can spread without individuals showing symptoms, making containment efforts exceptionally challenging once community spread is established. These factors fundamentally dictate that the virus is more likely to become a persistent, manageable feature rather than being completely eradicated from the global ecosystem.