What two animal viruses are experts warning about?

Experts are warning about influenza D and canine coronavirus, which are showing potential to cause a major health crisis.

Why are influenza D and canine coronavirus a concern?

These viruses are increasingly jumping from animals to humans, and surveillance is lagging, creating a dangerous blind spot as they adapt for wider human spread.

What is needed to address the threat of emerging viruses?

More diagnostic tests, improved surveillance systems, and effective countermeasures are urgently needed to address the public health threat.

Home / Health / New Viruses Threaten Global Health Crisis

New Viruses Threaten Global Health Crisis

5 Feb

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Summary

Influenza D and canine coronavirus can jump from animals to humans.
Surveillance for these viruses is lagging, creating a dangerous blind spot.
Lack of diagnostics and vaccines makes these pathogens a major threat.

Infectious disease experts are sounding the alarm over two animal pathogens, influenza D and canine coronavirus, that show potential for triggering a major health crisis. These viruses are increasingly observed transitioning from animals to humans, yet current surveillance efforts are lagging, creating a critical blind spot.

Influenza D, which affects various livestock and wildlife, is no longer confined to animals, with studies showing high antibody prevalence in cattle workers. While not yet symptomatic in humans, a strain in China has demonstrated person-to-person transmission capabilities.

Canine coronavirus (CCoV), typically causing gastrointestinal issues in dogs, is also evolving. New strains are now targeting the human respiratory system, with documented cases in Southeast Asia and Arkansas, some linked to pneumonia hospitalizations.