As the world continues to grapple with the ongoing impact of familiar respiratory viruses, attention is turning to two emerging pathogens with the potential to become significant public health threats: influenza D and canine coronavirus HuPn-2018. While these viruses haven’t yet sparked widespread human illness, a growing body of evidence suggests they warrant increased surveillance and diagnostic development.
Influenza D: A Quiet Threat with Economic Impact
Influenza D virus, first identified in , primarily infects livestock, particularly pigs, and cattle. However, it has demonstrated the ability to infect a diverse range of species, including poultry, deer, giraffes, and even kangaroos. Currently, influenza D is believed to contribute to bovine respiratory disease, which costs the U.S. Cattle industry an estimated $1 billion annually. This economic burden underscores the virus’s potential for widespread disruption, even before considering its implications for human health.
Recent studies have revealed surprisingly high levels of exposure to influenza D among individuals working with livestock. Data from studies in Colorado and Florida indicate that up to 97% of cattle workers carry antibodies against the virus, suggesting prior infection. Importantly, these infections have, to date, been subclinical – meaning they haven’t caused noticeable symptoms of illness. This is a key concern, as a virus can evolve and spread more efficiently when circulating undetected.
According to researchers, influenza D bears the hallmarks of a virus primed for rapid evolution. While currently not causing symptomatic illness in humans, the potential for the virus to mutate and gain the ability to transmit easily from person to person is a significant concern. If such a shift were to occur, the virus could potentially cause epidemics or pandemics, given that most people currently lack immunity.
Canine Coronavirus HuPn-2018: Another Emerging Risk
Alongside influenza D, canine coronavirus HuPn-2018 is also attracting attention as a potential emerging threat. Identified in , this virus has been circulating in canine populations and, like influenza D, has the potential to jump to humans. The lack of widespread surveillance and diagnostic tools for both viruses is a critical gap in our preparedness.
The concern surrounding both influenza D and canine coronavirus HuPn-2018 stems from the lessons learned from previous pandemics. The emergence of novel influenza and coronaviruses in and demonstrated the rapid and devastating consequences of unpreparedness. The current situation with these two newly recognized viruses echoes those early warning signs.
The Need for Increased Surveillance and Diagnostics
Experts emphasize the urgent need for increased surveillance and diagnostic development for both influenza D and canine coronavirus HuPn-2018. Currently, diagnostics for these viruses are lacking, hindering our ability to track their spread and understand their potential impact on human health. Without robust surveillance systems, it’s difficult to assess the true extent of exposure and identify potential outbreaks early on.
“Our review of the literature indicates these two viruses pose respiratory disease threats to humans, yet little has been done to respond to or prevent infection from these viruses,” said John Lednicky, Ph.D., a research professor in the Department of Environmental and Global Health at the University of Florida’s College of Public Health and Health Professions. This sentiment underscores the critical need for proactive measures to address these emerging threats.
The situation highlights a broader question: will we learn from past pandemics and proactively prepare for future threats, or will we find ourselves reacting to crises after they have already begun? Investing in surveillance, diagnostics, and research is crucial to mitigating the risks posed by influenza D, canine coronavirus HuPn-2018, and other emerging respiratory viruses.
While the immediate risk to the general public remains unclear, the potential for these viruses to evolve and cause widespread illness is a serious concern. Continued monitoring, research, and preparedness efforts are essential to protect public health and prevent future outbreaks.
