Short Wave Why We Should Care About Viruses Jumping From Animals To People
10 snips
Apr 3, 2023 
Michaeleen Doucleff, an NPR science desk correspondent focusing on global health, discusses the urgent issue of zoonotic spillover—viruses jumping from animals to humans. She reveals concerning insights about Influenza D, an emerging virus in livestock, and its potential impact on public health. The conversation highlights recent findings related to dairy farm workers' exposure, the critical need for early detection, and the shortcomings in virus surveillance among domestic animals. Doucleff emphasizes the importance of proactive measures to mitigate future pandemics.
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Mysterious Pig Illness
- A farmer in Oklahoma noticed his pigs exhibiting flu-like symptoms.
- Virologist Benjamin Hawes investigated, initially suspecting influenza A.
Frequent Zoonotic Spillovers
- Zoonotic spillovers, viruses jumping from animals to humans, are more common than previously thought.
- Stephen Goldstein emphasizes that these events occur frequently, even daily.
Common Culprits
- Coronaviruses and influenza viruses are the most common types of viruses that jump from animals to humans.
- These viruses often go undetected as common colds or other respiratory illnesses.
