Scientists Warn: Two Viruses Pose New Health Threats

Influenza D virus and canine coronavirus could spread more widely among humans if surveillance and diagnostics don't improve.

Jan. 29, 2026 at 1:55am

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Researchers warn that two emerging viruses with animal origins - influenza D virus and canine coronavirus - have the potential to trigger outbreaks in humans if surveillance and diagnostics continue to lag. While influenza D virus has so far only caused subclinical infections in humans, a strain recently isolated in China has developed the capacity for human-to-human transmission. Canine coronavirus has been linked to pneumonia hospitalizations in Southeast Asia, and new strains have been found circulating across continents. The scientists say better virus monitoring, more reliable tests, treatments and possible vaccines are needed to prevent these viruses from turning into large-scale human epidemics.

Why it matters

Recent pandemics have shown that without proper preparation, viruses that quickly gain efficient human-to-human transmissibility can easily turn into major public health threats. Influenza D virus and canine coronavirus currently pose such risks, as they have the potential to spread more widely among humans if surveillance and diagnostic efforts don't improve.

The details

Influenza D virus has been associated with infections in livestock like pigs and cows, but has also been found in many other species including poultry, deer, giraffes and kangaroos. It is believed to contribute to bovine respiratory disease, costing the U.S. cattle industry $1 billion a year. Studies have found up to 97% of cattle workers carry influenza D virus antibodies, suggesting widespread exposure. While these infections have been subclinical so far, a strain isolated in China has developed human-to-human transmission capabilities. Canine coronavirus, which is not the same as the COVID-19 virus, can cause illness in dogs and has also been linked to pneumonia hospitalizations in humans in Southeast Asia. New strains of canine coronavirus have been found circulating across continents, including in the U.S. state of Arkansas.

  • Influenza D virus was first discovered in 2011.
  • In 2017, a UF team isolated a canine coronavirus strain from a medical team member who had traveled from Florida to Haiti.
  • In 2021, a new canine coronavirus strain called CCoV-HuPn-2018 was discovered in a child hospitalized in Malaysia.

The players

John Lednicky

A research professor in the Department of Environmental and Global Health at the University of Florida's College of Public Health and Health Professions, and a member of UF's Emerging Pathogens Institute.

Gregory Gray

The director of the One Health Research and Training Laboratory at the University of Texas Medical Branch.

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What they’re saying

“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.”

— John Lednicky, Research professor

“If these viruses evolve the capacity to easily transmit person to person, they may be able to cause epidemics or pandemics since most people won't have immunity to them.”

— John Lednicky, Research professor

What’s next

To prevent these viruses from turning into large-scale human epidemics, the scientists say better virus monitoring, more reliable tests, treatments and possible vaccines are needed.

The takeaway

This case highlights the need for improved surveillance, diagnostics and preparedness to address emerging zoonotic viruses that could potentially spread more widely and pose serious public health threats, as recent pandemics have demonstrated.