GAINESVILLE, Fla. (WFLA) — Scientists are raising concerns about the potential for two viruses originating from animals to spread among humans.

An expert team specializing in infectious diseases has identified canine coronavirus and influenza D as emerging pathogens capable of causing respiratory illnesses in humans, with a significant potential for widespread transmission.

Their research was published in the January edition of a journal by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

“Our examination of existing studies shows that these two viruses represent a respiratory risk to humans, yet efforts to address or prevent these infections have been minimal,” stated co-author John Lednicky, Ph.D., a research professor from the Department of Environmental and Global Health at the University of Florida’s College of Public Health and Health Professions. “Should these viruses acquire the ability to easily spread between people, they could trigger epidemics or pandemics, as most individuals currently lack immunity to them.”

First identified in 2011, influenza D has predominantly affected cattle and pigs but has also been detected in other livestock and wild animals. The virus is estimated to cost the U.S. cattle industry over $1 billion annually.

According to experts, thus far the influenza D virus has not been associated with serious infections in humans, but a strain recently isolated in China has developed the capacity for human-to-human transmission.

“So far, influenza D virus has not been associated with serious infections in humans,” Lednicky said. “However, canine coronavirus has, but diagnostic tests are not routinely performed for the virus so the extent at which the virus affects the population at large is not known.”

Canine Coronavirus, known for causing gastrointestinal illness in dogs, although rarely documented in humans, has been linked to pneumonia hospitalizations in Southeast Asia.

The findings suggest that without proper preparation and continued monitoring, the viruses could easily turn into a large-scale human epidemic.

To prevent such a scenario, scientists suggest more reliable tests, treatments, and possible vaccines are needed.