[Investigation of viruses harbored by wild animals: toward pre-emptive measures against future zoonotic diseases].

Abstract

Zoonoses are caused by pathogens transmitted from animals. To prepare mitigating measures against emerging zoonoses, it is imperative to identify animal reservoirs that carry potential pathogens and also elucidate the transmission routes of these pathogens. Under the continuous collaboration with counterparts from Zambia and Indonesia, we have so far identified various viruses in wild animals. Some of the identified viruses were phylogenetically distinct from known virus species and this finding led to approved new virus species by the International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses (ICTV). Our studies provided new insights into the divergence, natural hosts and lifecycle of viruses. Through the exploration and characterization of viruses in animals, we will endeavor to contribute to the existing knowledge on viral pathogens in wild animals. This is cardinal for evidence-based preemptive measures against future zoonoses.