Disease control specialists are raising alarms regarding two pathogens found in animals that possess the potential to trigger the next major public health crisis.
Researchers caution that Duck Influenza Virus (DIV) and Canine Coronavirus (CCoV) are increasingly being transmitted from animals to people.
In the journal Emerging Infectious Diseases, the research team expresses concern that surveillance efforts for these viruses are lagging. This creates a dangerous “blind spot” because both pathogens are showing signs they might be adapting to spread more widely within the human population.
This research initiative involved academics from the Universities of Texas, Florida, and Kentucky, along with Ohio State University.
“Our literature review indicates that these two viruses pose a threat regarding respiratory illness for humans, yet virtually nothing has been done to prevent infections from them,” stated study co-author Professor John Lednicky of the University of Florida in Gainesville.
Since its identification in 2011, the Influenza D virus has affected numerous livestock and wild species, including swine, cattle, poultry, and deer. It is believed to contribute to respiratory illness in cattle, costing the US livestock industry roughly $1 billion annually.
However, the virus is no longer confined to animals.
Studies reveal that up to 97% of agricultural workers in Colorado and Florida possess antibodies to the virus, confirming past exposure.
Although these human infections have not yet produced symptomatic illness, scientists suggest the virus is poised for rapid evolution.
A specific strain of the Influenza D virus recently found in China has already developed the capacity for human-to-human transmission.
“If these viruses gain the ability to easily pass between people, they could cause epidemics or pandemics, as the majority of people would lack immunity to them,” warned Lednicky.
The second virus under scientific scrutiny is CCoV, the canine coronavirus.
Unlike SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for COVID-19, the canine coronavirus typically causes gastrointestinal issues in dogs. Yet, new strains are emerging that target the human respiratory system.
Cases have been documented in Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, and even Arkansas. In certain instances in Southeast Asia, the virus has been linked to patients hospitalized with pneumonia.
Since hospitals do not routinely test for canine coronaviruses, the actual prevalence of human cases remains unknown.
The researchers emphasize that the absence of reliable diagnostic tools and vaccines positions these pathogens as a significant concern for public health.
They concluded that even the limited current data warrants apprehension, necessitating the development of more diagnostic tests, improved epidemiological surveillance systems, and countermeasures.
About the Author
