Two viruses may pose pandemic risk, researchers warn

Researchers at the University of Florida say influenza D virus and a strain of canine coronavirus have animal origins, have been detected in humans in limited studies, and that improved surveillance, diagnostics and treatments are needed.

University of Florida scientists are warning about two relatively new viruses with animal origins—influenza D virus and a strain of canine coronavirus—and are calling for better surveillance, diagnostics and treatments. Their paper notes that knowledge of these viruses’ epidemiology and clinical effects is limited to a modest number of studies. Some human exposures and isolated human cases have been reported, and researchers say parts of the evidence suggest the viruses could evolve further. The authors recommend strengthening monitoring and diagnostic capacity to better understand current circulation. Key findings: - The paper highlights influenza D virus and a canine coronavirus strain (often referenced as CCoV-HuPn-2018) as emerging concerns reported in limited research. - Influenza D was first identified in 2011 and is commonly found in cattle and other animals; serologic studies found antibodies in about 97 percent of cattle workers in parts of the U.S., indicating prior exposure that was largely subclinical. - Canine coronavirus infections in humans have been reported in a small number of cases, including isolates from 2017 (HuCCoV_Z19Haiti) and 2018 (CCoV-HuPn-2018), and detections of the latter have been reported in several countries since 2021. - The authors report that a recent influenza D strain isolated in China has been described as having acquired human-to-human transmission capacity and they call for improved testing, monitoring, and development of treatments and vaccines. Summary: The researchers describe limited but concerning evidence that influenza D and certain canine coronaviruses have crossed into humans in isolated cases and that some viral strains show signs of evolutionary change. They recommend enhanced virus monitoring, more reliable diagnostic tests, and research toward treatments and vaccines to clarify current risks and track any changes in transmission.