Scientists have raised alarms about two animal-derived viruses that could potentially emerge as serious public health threats in the United States. The influenza D virus and canine coronavirus, which have been largely overlooked, are now under increased scrutiny as researchers highlight the growing risk of human transmission. In a recent article, experts stress the urgency for comprehensive monitoring and preventive measures to avert possible outbreaks.
Underestimated Threats: Influenza D Virus
Initially identified in 2011, the influenza D virus is primarily associated with livestock, particularly pigs and cattle, but it has also been detected in various wildlife species including deer and even kangaroos. This virus is known to contribute to bovine respiratory disease, a significant issue for the North American beef industry, costing nearly $1 billion annually due to its impact on cattle health. Symptoms in infected cattle include laboured breathing, nasal discharge, fever, and coughing.
Dr. John Lednicky, a research professor at the University of Florida College of Public Health and Health Professions, noted that while many workers in the cattle industry have been exposed to the virus—with studies indicating up to 97% of them carrying protective antibodies—there has been no significant illness reported thus far. However, concerns remain as a new strain of the virus in China has shown the ability to transmit between humans, raising alarms among health experts.
Canine Coronavirus: A Growing Concern
Canine coronavirus (CCoV) has also been linked to severe respiratory infections in humans. While the virus is primarily known for causing gastrointestinal illness in dogs, there have been instances of human hospitalisations due to pneumonia, particularly in Southeast Asia. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration reported that a strain of CCoV found in a child hospitalised in Malaysia bore resemblance to a variant detected in a traveller from Florida to Haiti in 2017, highlighting its potential for cross-species transmission.
Unlike the virus responsible for the Covid-19 pandemic, CCoV’s ability to spread among humans remains uncertain but necessitates ongoing vigilance. Its circulation across continents, with cases identified in countries such as Thailand and Vietnam, underscores the need for awareness and preventative strategies.
The Call for Action
The researchers advocate for enhanced virus monitoring, improved testing methods, and increased investment in treatments and vaccines for these emerging threats. They stress that current knowledge about these viruses is limited, with only a handful of studies providing insight into their epidemiology and clinical implications.
“Even so, the limited data regarding these novel, newly detected viruses indicate that they are a major threat to public health,” the authors stated. This warning comes at a time when incidents of H5N1 bird flu are rising, prompting further concern regarding the potential for viruses to mutate and adapt for human transmission.
Why it Matters
The emergence of these animal-borne viruses poses a significant risk not only to public health but also to the agricultural sector and global health systems. With the ongoing threat of zoonotic diseases, it is crucial to enhance our preparedness through proactive monitoring, research, and public health initiatives. Failure to act could lead to severe outbreaks, underscoring the critical need for immediate attention and action to safeguard communities across the United States and beyond.
