Viral Surveillance Discussion
During the most recent week with data, animal viral signals in wastewater showed a mixed pattern compared to long-term and seasonal averages. Several pig-associated enteric viruses were notably elevated, with some showing increases relative to both historical and recent averages. In contrast, a number of avian, rodent, and insect viruses remained below detection thresholds, and several coronaviruses and influenza D were absent. Notably,
Hepevirus flumine hepe-like virus was detected in the latest week but had not been present in the previous four-week period. Most signals for bird and rodent viruses were low or undetectable, while pig enteric viruses dominated the profile.
Enterovirus G (pig)
Enterovirus G was highly prevalent in the latest week, with levels well above both the long-term and seasonal averages, though slightly lower than the recent four-week average. This virus is transmitted primarily via the fecal-oral route among swine, causing enteric disease that can range from mild diarrhea to more severe symptoms in young or immunocompromised animals. There is no licensed vaccine for Enterovirus G; biosecurity and sanitation remain the primary control measures. Seasonal spikes are common in late summer and fall, consistent with the observed elevated levels.
Picornavirus kobuvirus cebes (pig)
Picornavirus kobuvirus cebes also showed elevated detection in the latest week, exceeding both long-term and seasonal averages and increasing compared to the previous four-week period. Kobuviruses are transmitted via contaminated water, feed, or direct contact, and can cause gastrointestinal symptoms in pigs, particularly piglets. No vaccine is available; management relies on hygiene and isolation of affected animals.
Picornavirus sapelovirus A (pig)
Picornavirus sapelovirus A was detected at higher levels than both historical and seasonal norms, with a marked increase over the previous four-week average. Sapelovirus A can cause neurological and enteric disease in pigs, with transmission primarily via the fecal-oral route. There is no commercial vaccine; prevention focuses on farm-level biosecurity.
Picornavirus teschovirus (pig)
Picornavirus teschovirus was present at levels above the long-term and seasonal averages, and higher than recent weeks. Teschovirus is associated with neurological disease (Teschen/Talfan disease) and mild enteric symptoms in pigs. Transmission is fecal-oral, and no vaccine is currently available; control depends on sanitation and movement restrictions.
Calicivirus vesivirus (cat and dog)
Calicivirus vesivirus was detected at moderately elevated levels compared to long-term and seasonal averages, though lower than the recent four-week average. Vesiviruses can cause vesicular lesions and mild respiratory symptoms in cats and dogs, and are spread via direct contact and contaminated surfaces. No vaccine is available; infection is typically self-limiting.
Coronavirus tegacovirus (cat, dog, and pig)
Coronavirus tegacovirus was detected at levels below historical and seasonal averages, but above the previous four-week average. Tegacoviruses can cause mild enteric symptoms in cats, dogs, and pigs, and are transmitted via the fecal-oral route. No licensed vaccine exists; supportive care and hygiene are recommended.
Hepevirus flumine hepe-like virus (unknown)
Hepevirus flumine hepe-like virus was detected in the latest week but had not been present in the previous four-week period. Levels were near the assay's limit of detection, so confidence is lower. Hepe-like viruses are typically transmitted via contaminated water and may affect a range of animal hosts. Symptoms and transmission dynamics are not well characterized; no vaccine is available.
Picornavirus harg calici-like virus (insect)
Picornavirus harg calici-like virus was present at low levels, below both long-term and seasonal averages, but slightly above the recent four-week average. This insect-associated virus is not known to cause disease in livestock or pets.
Parvovirus aveparvovirus (bird)
Parvovirus aveparvovirus was detected at low levels, well below historical and seasonal norms, and near the assay's limit of detection, so confidence is lower. This virus can cause enteric disease in birds, with transmission via fecal contamination. No vaccine is available.
Summary and Implications
Pig-associated enteric viruses remain the most prevalent animal pathogens in wastewater, with several showing sustained or increasing levels compared to historical and seasonal norms. Pet and bird viruses were present at lower levels, and most rodent and insect viruses were undetectable. Community members involved in animal husbandry should reinforce biosecurity and sanitation practices, especially in swine operations, to reduce the risk of enteric disease outbreaks. Pet owners are advised to maintain routine hygiene and monitor for symptoms. Wildlife and bird populations do not appear to be experiencing elevated viral activity at this time. Continued wastewater monitoring is recommended to track emerging trends and inform local animal health management.