VIRAL FORECAST DISCUSSION
During the most recent week with data, animal viral signals in Columbia wastewater showed a mixed pattern compared to long-term and seasonal averages. Several pig-associated enteric viruses, including kobuvirus, sapelovirus A, and Enterovirus G, remained highly prevalent, with some at or above their usual levels for this time of year. In contrast, many other animal viruses, such as PRRSV, several coronaviruses, and influenza D, were not detected and continue to trend below historical norms. Notably, vesivirus (a calicivirus affecting cats and dogs) was detected at elevated levels, while bird-associated viruses and several insect- and rodent-associated viruses were detected at low or undetectable levels. Some signals, such as sapelovirus A, were newly detected after being absent in the previous four weeks. Confidence is lower for viruses detected at low levels, especially those near the assay’s limit of detection.
Enterovirus G (pig)
Enterovirus G was detected at a high level during the latest week with data, remaining well above both the long-term and seasonal averages, though slightly lower than the previous four-week average. This virus is transmitted primarily via the fecal-oral route among swine and can cause enteric disease, especially in young pigs. Enterovirus G is not known to cause disease in humans. There are no licensed vaccines for this virus; control relies on biosecurity and sanitation measures. Elevated detection may reflect increased shedding from local swine herds or runoff from agricultural operations.
Picornavirus kobuvirus cebes (pig)
Kobuvirus cebes was also detected at a high level, exceeding both the long-term and seasonal averages, though lower than the previous four-week average, which was unusually elevated. Kobuvirus is an enteric virus of pigs, spread via the fecal-oral route, and is associated with mild to moderate diarrhea in piglets. There are currently no vaccines available. Good hygiene and management practices remain the best preventive measures.
Picornavirus sapelovirus A (pig)
Sapelovirus A was detected at a notably higher level than both the long-term and seasonal averages, and importantly, was newly detected after being absent in the previous four weeks. This virus is transmitted via the fecal-oral route and can cause a range of symptoms in pigs, from subclinical infection to polioencephalomyelitis. There are no licensed vaccines, and control is based on biosecurity and herd management.
Calicivirus vesivirus (cat and dog)
Vesivirus was detected at a moderately elevated level compared to long-term and seasonal averages, though lower than the previous four-week average. Vesiviruses can infect cats and dogs, causing oral ulcers, respiratory symptoms, and sometimes systemic illness. Transmission is primarily through direct contact or contaminated environments. There are no specific vaccines for vesiviruses in companion animals; supportive care and hygiene are key.
Distrovirus cripavirus (insect)
Cripavirus was detected at a level well above long-term and seasonal averages, and higher than the previous four-week average. This insect-associated virus is not known to cause disease in vertebrates, but its presence may reflect increased insect activity or runoff.
Flavivirus XiangYun virus (insect)
XiangYun virus was detected at a moderately elevated level compared to historical and seasonal averages. This insect-associated virus is not known to impact animal or human health but may serve as an indicator of environmental changes affecting insect populations.
Parvovirus aveparvovirus (bird)
Aveparvovirus was detected at a low level, well below long-term and seasonal averages, but above the previous four-week average. Detection is near the assay’s limit of detection, so confidence is lower. Aveparvovirus can cause disease in poultry, including enteric symptoms and immunosuppression. There are no widely used vaccines; management focuses on flock hygiene and biosecurity.
Coronavirus tegacovirus (cat, dog, and pig)
Tegacovirus was detected at a low level, well below long-term and seasonal averages, and similar to the previous four-week average. This virus can infect cats, dogs, and pigs, causing mild to moderate gastrointestinal disease. Transmission is fecal-oral. No vaccines are available for most companion animal coronaviruses; supportive care and hygiene are recommended.
Other Animal Viruses
Several other animal-associated viruses, including
PRRSV,
Luchacovirus,
pedacovirus,
HKU15,
Influenza D, and
pestivirus scrofae, were not detected during the latest week with data. These viruses are important pathogens in livestock and their absence suggests low current shedding or transmission in the area.
Bird-Associated Viruses
Signals for bird-associated viruses, including
avian coronaviruses,
megrivirus, and
avian nephritis virus, were detected at low levels, near the assay’s limit of detection, and below historical averages. Confidence in these low-level detections is limited. These viruses can cause enteric or renal disease in poultry, with management relying on flock hygiene and, for some viruses, vaccination.
Summary and Implications
Animal viral signals in Columbia wastewater during the latest week with data indicate continued elevated levels of several pig-associated enteric viruses, with some newly detected after a period of absence. Livestock producers and animal caretakers should remain attentive to biosecurity, sanitation, and herd/flock health monitoring, especially for swine operations. Companion animal owners should maintain good hygiene and promptly consult veterinarians for any signs of illness in pets. Poultry managers should continue standard flock management and monitor for signs of enteric or renal disease. The absence or low levels of several important livestock viruses is encouraging, but ongoing surveillance remains important to detect any emerging trends.