Scientists Warn These 2 Viruses Could Become The Next Pandemic

Infectious disease experts are warning that two animal-borne pathogens, influenza D virus and canine coronavirus, could reach epidemic or pandemic proportions without improved surveillance and diagnostic testing. Researchers from the University of Florida, University of Texas, Ohio State, and the University of Kentucky highlighted that these viruses have already jumped to humans. Canine coronavirus (CCoV) has been linked to pneumonia hospitalizations in Southeast Asia and was recently found in Arkansas, while influenza D is widespread in livestock and has shown human-to-human transmission potential in a Chinese strain. Experts emphasize that current diagnostic tests often miss these viruses, and about 97% of cattle workers in Florida and Colorado already carry influenza D antibodies. Public health specialists are calling for mandatory participation in real-time information exchange platforms to ensure readiness and early detection of these emerging threats.