Animal respiratory viruses with zoonotic potential

Respiratory viruses of animal origin pose a major public health risk due to their ability to cross species barriers and cause zoonotic infections. Influenza A viruses, especially those from avian and swine hosts, have driven several human pandemics. Their segmented genome enables genetic reassortment, leading to antigenic shifts and the emergence of novel human-infecting strains. Swine act as "mixing vessels" for avian, human, and swine influenza viruses, increasing pandemic risk. Similarly, HPAI H5N1 causes sporadic, often fatal human infections linked to contact with infected poultry. Coronaviruses such as SARS-CoV, MERS-CoV, and SARS-CoV-2 likely originate from bats, with spillovers involving intermediate hosts like civets or camels. SARS-CoV-2, probably arising from a wildlife market, sparked a global pandemic with severe health and socio-economic effects. These events highlight the need for animal surveillance, viral evolution research, and a One Health approach to prevention and control.