Viral Surveillance Summary
During the most recent week with data (sample date: 2025-12-08), animal viral signals in wastewater showed a mixed pattern compared to long-term and seasonal averages. Several pig-associated viruses, including picornaviruses and coronaviruses, remained detectable but generally trended lower than historical and seasonal norms, with some showing notable declines from the previous four-week average. In contrast,
Calicivirus vesivirus (cat and dog) was elevated relative to both long-term and seasonal averages, indicating increased shedding from companion animals. Most other animal viruses, including those from birds, rodents, and insects, were undetectable or near assay limits, suggesting minimal recent circulation. Notably,
Parvovirus aveparvovirus (bird) and
Flavivirus XiangYun virus (insect) were detected at low levels after absence in the previous four weeks, though confidence in these signals is reduced due to low read counts.
Most Prevalent Animal Viruses Detected
Coronavirus tegacovirus (cat, dog, and pig):
This coronavirus, affecting multiple domestic species, remained the most prevalent animal virus in the latest wastewater sample. Although levels were lower than both the long-term and seasonal averages, and notably decreased from the previous four-week average, its continued detection suggests ongoing transmission among companion animals and swine. Tegacoviruses are primarily spread via fecal-oral routes and contaminated environments. Clinical disease can range from mild enteric symptoms to more severe illness in young or immunocompromised animals. There are no licensed vaccines for tegacovirus in the US; prevention relies on hygiene and biosecurity measures, especially in multi-animal settings.
Picornavirus sapelovirus A (pig):
Sapelovirus A was present at moderate levels, but its signal was reduced compared to long-term and seasonal averages, and sharply down from the previous four-week period. Sapelovirus A is transmitted among pigs via fecal-oral routes, often causing subclinical infections but occasionally leading to neurological or enteric disease. No commercial vaccines are available; control is based on farm management and sanitation.
Picornavirus kobuvirus cebes (pig):
Kobuvirus cebes, another enteric picornavirus of swine, was detected at moderate levels, below historical and seasonal norms, and showing a marked decrease from recent averages. Transmission is fecal-oral, with most infections being mild or asymptomatic, though diarrhea can occur in young pigs. No vaccines are available; management focuses on hygiene and minimizing animal stress.
Calicivirus vesivirus (cat and dog):
Vesivirus levels were elevated, exceeding both long-term and seasonal averages, and up from the previous four-week average. Vesiviruses are shed by cats and dogs, primarily through saliva and feces, and can cause oral ulcers and mild respiratory or enteric symptoms. No licensed vaccines exist; prevention is based on routine cleaning and minimizing animal crowding.
Picornavirus teschovirus (pig):
Teschovirus was detected at low-to-moderate levels, below historical and seasonal averages, and substantially lower than the previous four-week period. Teschovirus is transmitted via fecal-oral routes, and while most infections are mild, some strains can cause severe neurological disease in swine. No vaccines are available; biosecurity and early detection are key control strategies.
Distrovirus cripavirus (insect):
Cripavirus, an insect-borne virus, was present at low levels, below historical averages and sharply down from the previous four-week average. Transmission is primarily among insects, with limited known impact on vertebrates.
Viruses Detected After Absence in Previous Four Weeks
Parvovirus aveparvovirus (bird):
Aveparvovirus was detected at low levels after being absent in the prior four weeks. Levels are near the assay’s limit of detection, and confidence is reduced. Aveparvoviruses are shed by birds via feces and can cause enteric disease, especially in poultry. No vaccines are available; control relies on flock management and biosecurity.
Flavivirus XiangYun virus (insect):
XiangYun virus was newly detected at low levels, near the assay’s limit of detection, after absence in the previous four weeks. This insect-associated flavivirus is not known to cause disease in vertebrates.
Viruses Near or Below Detection Limit
Several animal viruses, including
Influenza A (pig),
PRRSV (pig),
Enterovirus G (pig), and
Astrovirus avian nephritis virus (bird), were undetectable in the latest sample, despite historical presence. This suggests minimal recent shedding from livestock and wildlife in the area.
Summary and Implications
Wastewater signals for animal viruses in the latest week with data indicate reduced circulation of most swine and bird pathogens compared to historical and seasonal norms, with the exception of elevated vesivirus activity among companion animals. The detection of aveparvovirus and XiangYun virus at low levels after recent absence warrants continued monitoring, though confidence in these signals is limited. Community members involved in animal husbandry, veterinary care, or wildlife management should maintain routine biosecurity, sanitation, and surveillance practices, particularly in multi-animal environments. Pet owners are encouraged to uphold regular cleaning and minimize crowding to reduce viral transmission. Continued vigilance is advised as wastewater signals can change rapidly, and early detection remains key for animal health management.