VIROLOGY: New influenza virus could spread via pets

摘要

Two influenza strains could combine to form a dangerous new influenza virus that spreads via domestic pets.According to a 10-year Korean study,the canine influenza virus(CIV)could combine with H1N1/2009-which caused the global swine flu pandemic from 2009-10-to form a new influenza virus,CIVmv,that’s far more dangerous to humans.Dr Daesub Song from Korea University said:”Until now,dogs were considered neglected hosts in the field of flu research.However,after the first report of interspecies transmission,surveillance of flu viruses from companion animals should be further strengthened.Pre-existing CIV may recombine or reassert with human influenza viruses and give rise to novel viruses that could in turn lead to unique pandemics.”