Controlling Zoonotic Viral Diseases from One Health Perspective 2025

A special issue of Viruses (ISSN 1999-4915). This special issue belongs to the section "Animal Viruses".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 June 2025 | Viewed by 9189

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
Emerging Pathogens Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32608, USA
Interests: infectious diseases; arboviruses; encephalitis; SARS-CoV-2; one health
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

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Guest Editor
Montana Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, Montana State Department of Livestock, 1911 W. Lincoln Street, Bozeman, MT 59718, USA
Interests: one health; microbiology; infectious diseases; virology; arboviruses; zoonoses; diagnostics

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Zoonotic diseases represent the largest proportion of newly emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases. Viral zoonoses include those that jump directly and indirectly between animals and humans. Viral zoonotic transmission occurs at points of contact between humans and both wild and domesticated animals, with the risks of spillover events influenced by host and environmental factors. The prevention, response, and mitigation of zoonotic disease transmission is multifactorial, and the development of an integrated One Health approach for managing and preventing transmission is essential to prevent the next pandemic.

This Special Issue will cover recent developments in viral zoonoses with a focus on One Health strategies for the containment and mitigation of viral zoonotics. We welcome the submission of research articles, review articles, and short communications relevant to this Special Issue. We invite studies on aspects of control including, but not limited to, novel therapeutic development, vaccine strategies, and methods for environmental control. Epidemiology and methods for surveillance with an emphasis on building predictive models and preventative strategies are also welcome.

Dr. Maureen T. Long
Dr. Erika Schwarz-Collins
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • one health
  • viral zoonoses
  • control
  • vaccine
  • surveillance
  • epidemiology

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Published Papers (4 papers)

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Research

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18 pages, 1948 KiB  
Article
Genetic and Molecular Characterization of Avian Influenza A(H9N2) Viruses from Live Bird Markets (LBM) in Senegal
by Mamadou Malado Jallow, Moussa Moise Diagne, Marie Henriette Dior Ndione, Mamadou Aliou Barry, Ndiendé Koba Ndiaye, Davy Evrard Kiori, Marie Pedapa Mendy, Déborah Goudiaby, Gamou Fall, Malick Fall and Ndongo Dia
Viruses 2025, 17(1), 73; https://doi.org/10.3390/v17010073 - 8 Jan 2025
Viewed by 1508
Abstract
Despite extensive experience with influenza surveillance in humans in Senegal, there is limited knowledge about the actual situation and genetic diversity of avian influenza viruses (AIVs) circulating in the country, hindering control measures and pandemic risk assessment. Therefore, as part of the “One [...] Read more.
Despite extensive experience with influenza surveillance in humans in Senegal, there is limited knowledge about the actual situation and genetic diversity of avian influenza viruses (AIVs) circulating in the country, hindering control measures and pandemic risk assessment. Therefore, as part of the “One Health” approach to influenza surveillance, we conducted active AIV surveillance in two live bird markets (LBMs) in Dakar to better understand the dynamics and diversity of influenza viruses in Senegal, obtain genetic profiles of circulating AIVs, and assess the risk of emergence of novel strains and their transmission to humans. Cloacal swabs from poultry and environmental samples collected weekly from the two LBMs were screened by RT-qPCR for H5, H7, and H9 AIVs. Subsequently, a subset of H9-positive samples was selected for whole sequencing. From December 2023 to October 2024, 499 samples were tested, and AIV was detected in 58.3% of them. Among these, A/H9N2 was the only subtype detected in both markets, with a detection rate of 47.7% (82/172) in Thiaroye and 35.3% (42/119) in Tilene, resulting in an overall positivity rate of 42.6% (124/291). Genome sequencing of 22 A/H9N2 isolates, including 11 poultry drinking water samples, 7 carcass wash water samples, 3 fecal samples, and 1 cloacal swab, yielded 7 complete and 15 partial genomic sequences. Phylogenetic analyses of the resulting sequences showed that the A/H9N2 isolates obtained in this study formed a monophyletic cluster and were closely related to the Senegalese human strain (A/Senegal/0243/2019) identified through the national influenza sentinel surveillance program. These strains were also closely related to the A/H9N2 viruses of the G1 lineage circulating in neighboring countries, suggesting cross-border transmission. The A/H9N2 strains carried the low pathogenicity RSSR/GLF motif at the HA cleavage site and possessed several key amino acid mutations, including HA-I155T and HA-Q226L, which are associated with human host adaptation, PB2-T105V, PB2-A661T, and PB2-A588V, which are linked to the human-to-human transmission and increased polymerase activity, NS2-T14M, NS2-M100I, NS1-I106M, NS1-V222M, NS1-E223A, NS1-I226V, NS1-E227G, and NS1-P228S, which are known to alter virulence (increased or reduced) in humans or mice, and M2-S31N, which promotes drug resistance. Seven potential N-glycosylation sites were predicted in the HA protein and six in the NA protein. The selection pressure analysis revealed that the A/H9N2 isolates were primarily under neutral evolution or purifying selection pressure. Overall, our findings highlight the potential for cross-species transmission of Senegalese A/H9N2 viruses, emphasizing the need for sustained monitoring of these viruses in both animal and human populations. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Controlling Zoonotic Viral Diseases from One Health Perspective 2025)
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13 pages, 2569 KiB  
Article
Development of Quantitative Real-Time PCR and Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification Assays for the Surveillance and Diagnosis of Herpes B Virus Infection
by Murasaki Amano, Krittiga Sapkanarak, Wipaporn Thbthimthong, Suthirote Meesawat, Taratorn Kemthong, Nutchanat Suttisan, Haruka Abe, Suchinda Malaivijitnond and Jiro Yasuda
Viruses 2023, 15(10), 2086; https://doi.org/10.3390/v15102086 - 13 Oct 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2105
Abstract
Herpes B virus (BV) is a zoonotic virus which can be transmitted from macaques to humans, which is often associated with high mortality rates. Because macaques often exhibit asymptomatic infections, individuals who come into contact with these animals face unexpected risks of BV [...] Read more.
Herpes B virus (BV) is a zoonotic virus which can be transmitted from macaques to humans, which is often associated with high mortality rates. Because macaques often exhibit asymptomatic infections, individuals who come into contact with these animals face unexpected risks of BV infections. A serological test is widely performed to investigate BV infections. However, the assay’s sensitivity and specificity appeared to be inadequate, and it does not necessarily indicate ongoing viral shedding. Here, we developed LAMP and qPCR assays aiming to detect BVs with a high sensitivity and specificity in various macaque species and validated them using oral swab samples collected from 97 wild cynomolgus macaques living in Thailand. Our LAMP and qPCR assays detected more than 50 and 10 copies of the target sequences per reaction, respectively. The LAMP assay could detect BV within 25 min, indicating its advantages for the rapid detection of BV. Collectively, our findings indicated that both assays developed in this study exhibit advantages and usefulness for BV surveillance and the diagnosis of BV infections in macaques. Furthermore, for the first time, we determined the partial genome sequences of BVs detected in cynomolgus macaques in Thailand. Phylogenetic analysis revealed the species-specific evolution of BV within macaques. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Controlling Zoonotic Viral Diseases from One Health Perspective 2025)
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Review

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17 pages, 2180 KiB  
Review
The Impact of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza H5N1 in the United States: A Scoping Review of Past Detections and Present Outbreaks
by Alejandro Mena, Michael E. von Fricken and Benjamin D. Anderson
Viruses 2025, 17(3), 307; https://doi.org/10.3390/v17030307 - 24 Feb 2025
Viewed by 1612
Abstract
Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza H5N1 (HPAI H5N1) was first detected in chickens in Scottland in 1959 and has since circulated globally, causing regular outbreaks among different animal species, as well as incidental infections in humans. In this scoping review, the epidemiology and impact [...] Read more.
Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza H5N1 (HPAI H5N1) was first detected in chickens in Scottland in 1959 and has since circulated globally, causing regular outbreaks among different animal species, as well as incidental infections in humans. In this scoping review, the epidemiology and impact of HPAI H5N1 among migratory birds, poultry, and cattle in the United States were analyzed, with a particular focus on outbreaks since January 2022. Following PRISMA guidelines, a total of 27 articles were identified for this review. Publicly available data and reports from the USDA and CDC were also evaluated and summarized. The identified articles primarily included epidemiological studies of detections in wild birds, mammals, and case reports on H5N1 and transmission dynamics among cattle, with a notable absence of poultry-focused reports. Wild birds, especially migratory species, have played an important role in virus dissemination. Studies among mammals, including seals, bears, and domestic cats, along with the emerging outbreak among cattle, highlight the virus’s ability to adapt to diverse hosts, with the possibility of mammal-to-mammal transmission. Despite the low number of human infections, the zoonotic risk of the disease and the possibility of a human outbreak remain significant. The complexity and risks associated with the virus, in comparison with the limited current scientific studies in the United States, demand further investigations to mitigate its impact on animals, ecosystems, and human health. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Controlling Zoonotic Viral Diseases from One Health Perspective 2025)
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15 pages, 2004 KiB  
Review
Clinical Strategies and Therapeutics for Human Monkeypox Virus: A Revised Perspective on Recent Outbreaks
by Nilanjan Ghosh, Leena Chacko, Jayalakshmi Vallamkondu, Tanmoy Banerjee, Chandrima Sarkar, Birbal Singh, Rajkumar Singh Kalra, Jasvinder Singh Bhatti, Ramesh Kandimalla and Saikat Dewanjee
Viruses 2023, 15(7), 1533; https://doi.org/10.3390/v15071533 - 12 Jul 2023
Cited by 20 | Viewed by 3250
Abstract
An enveloped double-stranded DNA monkeypox virus (MPXV) is a causative agent of the zoonotic viral disease, human monkeypox (HMPX). MPXV belongs to the genus Orthopoxviridae, a family of notorious smallpox viruses, and so it shares similar clinical pathophysiological features. The recent multicountry HMPX [...] Read more.
An enveloped double-stranded DNA monkeypox virus (MPXV) is a causative agent of the zoonotic viral disease, human monkeypox (HMPX). MPXV belongs to the genus Orthopoxviridae, a family of notorious smallpox viruses, and so it shares similar clinical pathophysiological features. The recent multicountry HMPX outbreak (May 2022 onwards) is recognized as an emerging global public health emergency by the World Health Organization, shunting its endemic status as opined over the past few decades. Re-emergence of HMPX raises concern to reassess the present clinical strategy and therapeutics as its outbreak evolves further. Keeping a check on these developments, here we provide insights into the HMPX epidemiology, pathophysiology, and clinical representation. Weighing on its early prevention, we reviewed the strategies that are being enrolled for HMPX diagnosis. In the line of expanded MPXV prevalence, we further reviewed its clinical management and the diverse employed preventive/therapeutic strategies, including vaccines (JYNNEOS, ACAM2000, VIGIV) and antiviral drugs/inhibitors (Tecovirimat, Cidofovir, Brincidofovir). Taken together, with a revised perspective of HMPX re-emergence, the present report summarizes new knowledge on its prevalence, pathology, and prevention strategies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Controlling Zoonotic Viral Diseases from One Health Perspective 2025)
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