Field Research Is Essential to Counter Virological Threats

• Type of Material: Article
• Authors: Jonathan AA Runstadler, Tufts University; Anice Lowen, Emory University; Ghazi Kayali, Human Link DMCC; Mark S Tompkins, University of Georgia; Randy A Albrecht, Icahn Sch Med Mt Sinai; Ron AM Fouchier, Icahn Sch Med Mt Sinai; David E Stallknecht, St Jude Center of Excellence for Influenza Research and Response (SJ-CEIRR), Memphis; Seema Lakdawala, Emory University; Felicia D Goodrum, University of Arizona; Arturo Casadevall, Johns Hopkins Sch Publ Hlth; Lynn W Enquist, Princeton University; James C Alwine, University of Arizona; Michael J Imperiale, University of Michigan; Stacey Schultz-Cherry, St Jude Center of Excellence for Influenza Research and Response (SJ-CEIRR), Memphis; Richard JJ Webby, St Jude Center of Excellence for Influenza Research and Response (SJ-CEIRR), Memphis
• Language: English
• Date: 2023-05-11
• Publisher: AMER SOC MICROBIOLOGY
• Publication Version: Final Published Version
• Copyright Statement: © 2023 Runstadler et al.
• License: Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International
• Final Published Version (URL): http://dx.doi.org/10.1128/jvi.00544-23
• Title of Journal or Parent Work: JOURNAL OF VIROLOGY
• Volume: 97
• Issue: 5
• Start Page: e0054423
• End Page: e0054423
• Keywords: Zoonosis; TRANSMISSION; Science & Technology; Life Sciences & Biomedicine; Wildlife; Surveillance; VIRUS; Risk assessment; Field research; Virology; Spillover; Pandemic preparedness
• Research Categories: Health Sciences, Public Health

Abstract

The interface between humans and wildlife is changing and, with it, the potential for pathogen introduction into humans has increased. Avian influenza is a prominent example, with an ongoing outbreak showing the unprecedented expansion of both geographic and host ranges. Research in the field is essential to understand this and other zoonotic threats. Only by monitoring dynamic viral populations and defining their biology in situ can we gather the information needed to ensure effective pandemic preparation.