Emerging respiratory virus threats are back in the spotlight as experts warn that two little-known pathogens, influenza D and canine coronavirus HuPn-2018, could play a major role in future human epidemics. These viruses cause respiratory infections that can lead to pneumonia and are currently spreading largely under the radar.
The announcement comes as the world continues to grapple with the aftermath of recent pandemics, emphasizing the need for vigilance against novel viruses. Both influenza D and canine coronavirus HuPn-2018 have been identified as potential threats due to their zoonotic origins and the possibility of human transmission.
Why These New Viruses Matter
The authors of a recent study note that the world has already been “fooled” twice in recent years, with novel influenza and coronaviruses in 2009 and 2019 causing rapid global spread and substantial deaths. Although science now has effective tools for many bacterial and vector-borne diseases, novel respiratory viruses of zoonotic origin still repeatedly trigger large human outbreaks.
Within the Orthomyxoviridae and Coronaviridae families, influenza D virus (IDV) and canine coronavirus HuPn-2018 (CCoV-HuPn-2018) stand out as major newly recognized threats. These viruses have the potential to cross species barriers, which can lead to new and unpredictable outbreaks in human populations.
Emerging Virus Threats in Animals and Humans
Influenza D was first identified in pigs with respiratory illness and is now found widely in cattle and other animals. Evidence suggests it can infect humans, especially people working closely with livestock, and some studies indicate it may already spread between humans. This development follows a pattern seen with other zoonotic viruses, where close human-animal interactions facilitate cross-species transmission.
Meanwhile, canine coronavirus HuPn-2018 was first isolated from a child with pneumonia in Malaysia and has since been detected in people with respiratory illness in several countries, including Haiti, Thailand, the USA, and Vietnam. Worryingly, this virus is completely missed by common clinical tests for respiratory infections, meaning cases are likely going undetected.
Call for Better Surveillance and Clinical Awareness
The authors warn that there are still no approved laboratory tests or vaccines for these two emerging respiratory virus threats, and current knowledge relies on limited research. They call for targeted surveillance at the human-animal interface, wider use of broad “panspecies” and next-generation sequencing diagnostics, and development of specific PCR tests.
Clinicians, they argue, should consider influenza D and CCoV-HuPn-2018 when routine panels fail to find a cause of pneumonia, and researchers should begin assessing antivirals and, if justified, vaccines. The message is clear: unless surveillance and preparedness improve, the world risks being “fooled” yet again by the next novel respiratory virus.
“The world has been fooled twice already by novel respiratory viruses, and without improved surveillance, it could happen again,” said Dr. Gregory Gray, lead author of the study.
Implications and Forward-Looking Analysis
This development underscores the importance of global health preparedness and the need for international cooperation in monitoring and responding to emerging infectious diseases. Historical parallels with past pandemics highlight the potential consequences of underestimating these threats.
According to experts, the move to enhance surveillance and clinical awareness could significantly reduce the risk of future outbreaks. By investing in research and development of diagnostics and vaccines, the global health community can better prepare for and mitigate the impact of these emerging viruses.
As the world continues to navigate the complexities of infectious disease control, the lessons learned from past pandemics serve as a crucial guide. The next steps involve not only scientific advancements but also policy decisions that prioritize health security on a global scale.
