Bats and Viruses: Importance of Understanding Virus Origin and Host Connection

Dear Colleagues,

The recent pandemic of SARS-CoV-2 is just the latest example of how a better understanding of the emergence and maintenance of bat-borne viral diseases is of critical importance. With there being over 1,400 species of bats, covering a wide range of habitats across six continents, a better understanding of the viruses that bats carry and the threats posed by their introduction into other host species is needed. A Special Issue of Animals will be dedicated to "Bats and Viruses: Importance of Understanding Virus Origin and Host Connection". We are interested in recent research on the interactions of bats and their environments; the exposure of humans in addition to their companion and domestic animals to bats; the discovery of novel bat viral pathogens; evolution and host adaptation following species cross-over; and the phylogenetic/phylogeographical studies of bat-borne viruses.

Dr. Hon Ip
Guest Editor

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• bats
• viruses
• bat viral pathogens
• virus–host interaction
• evolution