Florida cat sniffs out another new virus—and scientists are listening

A feline named Pepper has erstwhile again helped scientists observe a caller virus—this clip a mysterious orthoreovirus recovered successful a shrew. Researchers from the University of Florida, including virologist John Lednicky, identified this strain during unrelated investigating and published its genome. Although erstwhile thought to beryllium harmless, these viruses are progressively linked to superior diseases successful humans and animals. With erstwhile discoveries besides pointing to a signifier of viral emergence successful wildlife, scientists accent the request for much surveillance—and Pepper remains an improbable but reliable viral scout.