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Evaluation of a Universal Nested Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction for the Detection of Lyssaviruses
Published on: May 2, 2019
Emerging viral encephalitides in dogs and cats
1Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, Center for Veterinary Health Sciences, Oklahoma State University, 226 McElroy Hall, Stillwater, OK 74078, USA. brad.njaa@okstate.edu
Summary
Emerging viral encephalitis in pets is rare but deadly. These zoonotic viruses cross species barriers, posing a risk as wildlife habitats shrink and overlap with human environments.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Neurology
- Emerging Infectious Diseases
- Zoonotic Pathogens
Background:
- Recent emergence of novel viral pathogens causing encephalitis in domestic dogs and cats.
- These viruses are often zoonotic, originating from cross-species transmission.
- Encephalitis cases are infrequent but characterized by high mortality and low morbidity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the emergence of viral encephalitis in companion animals.
- To discuss the zoonotic potential and implications of these pathogens.
- To highlight the risks associated with increasing human-wildlife habitat overlap.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of viral encephalitis cases in dogs and cats over the past decade.
- Analysis of pathogen origin, transmission routes, and clinical outcomes.
- Assessment of zoonotic potential and public health implications.
Main Results:
- Several novel viral pathogens have emerged, causing rare but fatal encephalitis in pets.
- These emerging viruses are zoonotic, highlighting interspecies disease transmission.
- High mortality rates are consistently observed in affected animals.
Conclusions:
- The emergence of zoonotic viral encephalitis in pets is a growing concern.
- Habitat overlap increases the risk of novel viral pathogen spillover.
- Continued surveillance and research are crucial to mitigate risks posed by these emerging diseases.
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