Overview
- A January 2026 review in Emerging Infectious Diseases cautions that influenza D and canine coronavirus could spark outbreaks if they gain efficient person-to-person transmission, with little existing immunity in populations.
- Serologic studies cited in the review found up to 97% antibody prevalence to influenza D among cattle workers in Colorado and Florida, indicating frequent exposure that has been largely subclinical in humans so far.
- Researchers report a strain of influenza D isolated in China with demonstrated human-to-human transmission capacity, raising concern about evolutionary potential.
- Canine coronavirus has been detected in human illnesses, including pneumonia hospitalizations in Southeast Asia, with related strains identified in Thailand, Vietnam, and Arkansas, and it is distinct from SARS‑CoV‑2.
- The authors say surveillance and routine diagnostics for these viruses are limited and urge investment in better tests, monitoring, treatments, and potential vaccines, noting influenza D’s role in costly bovine respiratory disease.