Emerging and Re-Emerging Viral Zoonoses

Dear Colleagues,

Emergent viral zoonoses represent a growing global health concern, characterized by the spillover of novel or previously rare viruses from animal reservoirs into human populations. These events are driven by complex ecological, environmental, and societal changes—including deforestation, the wildlife trade, agricultural intensification, urbanization, and climate change—that increase the frequency and intensity of human–animal interactions.

Over the past few decades, we have witnessed the emergence of several high-impact zoonotic viruses such as the Ebola virus, Nipah virus, Hendra virus, SARS-CoV, MERS-CoV. Even more recently, the global spread of monkeypox virus (MPXV), traditionally confined to West and Central Africa, has demonstrated how rapidly a zoonotic virus can shift its epidemiology and transmission dynamics once introduced into new human populations. Importantly, many of these viruses display genetic plasticity, enabling their adaptation to human hosts and facilitating human-to-human transmission via respiratory droplets, bodily fluids, direct contact, or even sexual networks, as seen in the 2022 multi-country Mpox outbreak.

Emergent viral zoonoses are often associated with high case fatality rates, limited treatment options, and the absence of pre-existing immunity in human populations. The threat they pose is further compounded by the lack of effective vaccines or therapeutics for many of these viruses, challenges in their early detection, and insufficient integration between human and animal health surveillance systems.

This Special Issue of Viruses seeks to present cutting-edge research on emerging and re-emerging viral zoonoses from across a broad range of disciplines. We invite contributions that explore the following:

• Epidemiology and outbreak investigations in both endemic and non-endemic regions;
• The viral evolution, genomics, and molecular characterization of (re)emergent pathogens;
• The ecology of zoonotic spillover and the role of animal reservoirs, cross-species transmission and vectors;
• The clinical features, disease progression, and long-term outcomes in infected individuals;
• Immunological responses and host–virus interactions;
• Novel diagnostic tools, therapeutics, and vaccine development;
• Public health strategies, surveillance systems, and pandemic preparedness;
• One Health approaches integrating human, animal, and environmental health.

Special consideration will be given to manuscripts addressing infections in high-risk populations, such as immunocompromised individuals, pregnant women, children, healthcare workers, veterinarians, and those in close contact with wildlife or livestock. We also welcome reports on novel or re-emerging zoonotic viruses, particularly those associated with unusual transmission routes or evolving virulence, related to high burden of disease and threats to biodiversity/vulnerable species.

All submission formats are welcome, including original research articles, reviews, case reports, short communications, viewpoints, and editorials. The inclusion of figures, tables, and illustrative materials to support the data provided and to enhance reader engagement is encouraged.

We look forward to receiving your valuable contributions to this timely and essential collection of research, which aims to deepen our understanding of and inform future responses to emerging zoonotic viral threats.

Prof. Dr. Lorena Jemeršić
Dr. Margarida Simões
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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