New viruses, some similar to deadly diseases, have been discovered in wild bats in China, prompting concerns about potential risks to humans and livestock. Researchers analyzed bat kidneys in China’s Yunnan province and found 20 new viruses, as well as a new species of bacteria and parasite. The viruses include two that are genetically akin to the fatal Hendra and Nipah viruses. These findings have raised urgent concerns about the potential for these viruses to infect humans or livestock. The bats carrying these viruses were found near orchards, sparking worries about contamination of food sources. The study authors emphasize the need for further research to assess the risks of transmission from bat populations.
Bats have been linked to previous deadly outbreaks such as Ebola, Marburg, and Covid-19. The discovery of these new viruses highlights the importance of understanding and monitoring zoonotic pathogens carried by bats to prevent potential spillover events.
