Humans Transmit Twice As Many Viruses To Animals Than Vice Versa: Study

A groundbreaking study conducted by researchers at University College London has made a surprising revelation: humans are the primary transmitters of viruses to animals, surpassing the long-held notion of animals being the sole culprits. Published in Nature Ecology & Evolution, the study analyzes viral genomes, indicating that approximately 64% of viruses jumped from humans to animals, a phenomenon termed anthroponosis.

The research sheds light on the intricate network of viral transmission, portraying humans not merely as recipients but as active contributors to the spread of pathogens across species boundaries. Factors such as habitat destruction and pollution exacerbated animal susceptibility to human-carried viruses, posing a dual threat to both wildlife conservation and human health.

Co-author Professor Francois Balloux emphasized the need to perceive humans as integral nodes within this expansive network of viral exchange. By comprehensively monitoring viral transmission between humans and animals, researchers aimed to enhance preparedness against future outbreaks and facilitate conservation endeavours.

Lead author Cedric Tan underscored the consequences of human-to-animal virus transmission, emphasizing its potential harm to animal populations and the subsequent risks to human food security. Moreover, the study highlighted the perpetual threat of viruses evolving and adapting within new hosts, underscoring the urgency to comprehend the dynamics of viral transmission across diverse species.