Scientists have issued a stark warning that two emerging viruses originating from animals could become significant public health threats in the United States, potentially triggering the next major pandemic. The viruses in question are influenza D and canine coronavirus, both of which have demonstrated concerning capabilities for spreading to humans and evolving into more transmissible forms.
Influenza D: A Livestock Virus with Human Transmission Risks
Influenza D, primarily found in livestock such as cattle, has shown a high prevalence of antibodies among cattle workers, indicating frequent exposure. More alarmingly, a strain identified in China has already developed the ability for human-to-human transmission, raising serious concerns about its potential evolution into a virus that could spread easily among the general population. Researchers note that if influenza D mutates to enhance its transmissibility between people, it could lead to epidemics or pandemics, given that most individuals lack immunity to this virus.
Canine Coronavirus: Cross-Continental Spread and Severe Infections
A second virus, canine coronavirus (CCoV), has been linked to serious human infections across different regions. Cases include pneumonia in Southeast Asia and respiratory illness in Arkansas, demonstrating its existing spread across continents. This highlights the virus's ability to jump from animals to humans and cause significant health issues, even without widespread human-to-human transmission currently. The cross-continental nature of these infections underscores the global interconnectedness that can facilitate the rapid dissemination of zoonotic diseases.
Urgent Calls for Enhanced Monitoring and Preparedness
In response to these threats, scientists are urging for immediate action to mitigate the potential for widespread outbreaks. Key recommendations include:
- Improved virus monitoring systems to detect early signs of transmission and evolution.
- Development of more reliable testing methods to accurately identify infections.
- Increased investment in treatments and vaccines to build defences against these viruses.
These measures are crucial to prevent the viruses from causing large-scale health crises, as most people would have little to no immunity if they were to become easily transmissible between humans.
Context Amid Ongoing Bird Flu Concerns
This warning comes amidst ongoing concerns about other zoonotic threats, such as bird flu (H5N1), which also has the potential to evolve into a human-transmissible virus. The situation highlights the broader need for vigilance against zoonotic diseases—those that jump from animals to humans—as they represent a persistent risk to global public health. By focusing on proactive strategies, health authorities can better prepare for and respond to emerging viral threats before they escalate into pandemics.
Overall, the message from researchers is clear: the conditions are ripe for these viruses to spread more widely among humans, and without adequate preparedness, they could pose major risks to American families and beyond. It is imperative that public health initiatives prioritise surveillance, research, and resource allocation to address these emerging challenges effectively.
