Viral Surveillance Summary
During the most recent week with data, animal pathogen signals in wastewater showed a mixed pattern compared to long-term and seasonal averages. Several pig-associated viruses, including enteroviruses and sapeloviruses, remained prominent, though most were below historical norms. Notably, vesivirus levels in cats and dogs were elevated well above typical background, while other companion animal and wildlife viruses were undetectable or at very low levels. Some insect- and fish-associated viruses were detected, but confidence in these signals is lower due to proximity to assay detection limits. No new animal pathogens were detected this week that were absent in the prior four weeks.
Picornavirus sapelovirus A (pig)
Picornavirus sapelovirus A was the most prevalent animal virus detected in the latest week, with levels above both the long-term and seasonal averages, and higher than the previous 4-week average. This virus is transmitted primarily via the fecal-oral route among pigs, often through contaminated water or feed. Clinical signs range from mild diarrhea to neurological symptoms, particularly in young animals. No licensed vaccine is currently available, so biosecurity and sanitation remain the primary countermeasures. Seasonal peaks are often associated with warmer months and periods of increased animal movement.
Calicivirus vesivirus (cat and dog)
Calicivirus vesivirus levels in the latest week were substantially elevated compared to historical and seasonal averages, as well as the prior 4-week period. Vesiviruses can infect cats and dogs, and are spread through direct contact, contaminated surfaces, and possibly via aerosolized droplets. Clinical presentation is variable, ranging from mild oral ulcers to systemic disease. No commercial vaccine is available; infection control relies on isolation of affected animals and thorough cleaning of shared environments. Vesivirus activity can fluctuate seasonally, often increasing with higher rates of animal congregation.
Enterovirus G (pig)
Enterovirus G was detected at moderate levels, below long-term and seasonal averages, but above the previous 4-week average. This virus is primarily transmitted among pigs via the fecal-oral route and can cause mild to moderate enteric disease. Outbreaks are most common in settings with high animal density and limited sanitation. No specific vaccine exists; prevention relies on herd management and hygiene.
Picornavirus kobuvirus cebes (pig)
Picornavirus kobuvirus cebes was present at moderate levels, below historical and seasonal norms, but above the recent 4-week average. Kobuviruses are spread via the fecal-oral route and can cause gastrointestinal symptoms in pigs, particularly in young or immunocompromised animals. No vaccine is available, and control measures focus on sanitation and limiting animal mixing.
Coronavirus tegacovirus (cat, dog, and pig)
Coronavirus tegacovirus was detected at low levels, well below long-term and seasonal averages, and lower than the previous 4-week average. Tegacoviruses can infect cats, dogs, and pigs, causing mild to moderate enteric or respiratory symptoms. Transmission occurs via direct contact, contaminated surfaces, and possibly aerosols. No licensed vaccine is available; prevention relies on isolation and sanitation.
Picornavirus teschovirus (pig)
Picornavirus teschovirus was detected at low levels, below historical and seasonal averages, and lower than the recent 4-week period. Teschoviruses are transmitted via the fecal-oral route and can cause neurological disease in pigs, especially in young animals. No commercial vaccine is available; control is based on biosecurity and herd management.
Picornavirus harg calici-like virus (insect)
Picornavirus harg calici-like virus was detected near the assay's limit of detection, with confidence in the signal lower than for other pathogens. This insect-associated virus is not known to cause disease in livestock or pets, and its presence in wastewater may reflect environmental runoff rather than active transmission.
Calicivirus salovirus (fish)
Calicivirus salovirus was detected at low levels, near the assay's limit of detection, with low confidence in the signal. This fish-associated virus is not known to cause disease in terrestrial animals and is likely present due to environmental runoff.
Flavivirus XiangYun virus (insect)
Flavivirus XiangYun virus was detected at low levels, near the assay's limit of detection, with low confidence. This insect-associated virus is not known to affect livestock or pets.
Summary and Implications
Wastewater surveillance in the latest week with data indicates ongoing circulation of several pig-associated enteric viruses and a notable increase in vesivirus activity among cats and dogs. Livestock producers and pet owners should maintain heightened biosecurity, sanitation, and isolation protocols, especially in settings with young or immunocompromised animals. While no new animal pathogens emerged, continued monitoring is advised to detect shifts in viral activity. Environmental management practices should be reinforced to reduce runoff and cross-species transmission risks. For more information on specific viruses, refer to the linked resources above.