Source: Health Day
In May 2021, a black cat named Pepper brought a dead mouse to his owner, John Lednicky, a University of Florida microbiologist, which led to the discovery of the first jeilongvirus in the U.S., recently reported in Pathogens. This virus, a genetically mutated strain previously found in Africa, Asia, Europe, and South America, can infect various species, including humans, rodents, and primates. Jeilongviruses, related to respiratory infections, may pose a risk of human spillover events, potentially leading to epidemics.
Lead researcher Emily DeRuyter noted that many unknown viruses likely circulate in animals near humans. Although human infection risk is low due to minimal contact with wild rodents, studies are needed to assess its potential impact on humans and animals. The researchers named it Gainesville rodent jeilong virus 1 and shared findings to support surveillance efforts. Pepper, unaffected by the exposure, highlights cats’ resilience to rodent-borne viruses.
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