Chinese scientists are hunting for the next viral disease threat to humans before it emerges
- Researchers have conducted a massive sampling survey of bats, rodents and shrews to identify animal-to-human transmission risks
- Effective countermeasures against such pathogens depends on finding them as soon as possible, scientists say
It is just a matter of time before another pathogen capable of jumping from animals to humans poses the next large-scale threat to humanity, according to scientists who study such viruses. The challenge has been identifying what virus is most at risk of making that leap.
In China, a team of virologists has conducted proactive research on the most important animal sources of human infectious diseases which has identified novel viruses in nearly 2,500 bats, rodents and shrews.
Some of the more than 500 viruses they have identified are related to pathogens that cause diseases in humans or domestic animals, according to their study .
The virologist said the newly identified viruses represent a potential risk and monitoring their evolution and transmission is vital to prevent the next pandemic.
“Most viruses do not infect humans, while viruses that can infect humans may not necessarily cause diseases. But some of the pathogenic ones could cause serious illness,” he said.