AUBURN, AL — A small rodent-like mammal in east Alabama is at the center of a recent scientific discovery, but researchers emphasize there is no immediate threat to humans. Scientists from Auburn University have identified the first henipavirus in North America, detected in the tissue of a northern short-tailed shrew. Their findings were published this week in the journal Emerging Infectious Diseases, gaining national attention. Mike Clardy with the Alabama Cooperative Extension System also published an article detailing this discovery.
While henipaviruses have been associated with serious illnesses in humans in other parts of the world, Auburn researchers stress that there is no evidence this newly discovered virus can infect people.
“It’s important to know that viruses are everywhere in our environment,” said Wendy Hood, professor of biological sciences at Auburn and a member of the research team. “The genome for the virus was detected in four individual shrews. There is no data indicating that this virus has been detected in humans or could jump from this species of shrew to humans.”
The tissue samples that led to the discovery were collected in 2021 from Tallapoosa County as part of a National Institutes of Health (NIH)-funded study in collaboration with researchers from the University of Michigan.
Though some henipaviruses can be fatal to humans, Auburn scientists stress that more research is needed to determine any potential risks.
“Whether or not spillover from animals to humans is possible in this case, precautions should always be taken to reduce risk,” Hood advised. “The best advice we can give is to appreciate wildlife from a distance and avoid direct contact with unfamiliar or dead animals and their droppings.”
Jason Upton, an Auburn associate professor of biological sciences, highlighted that scientific advancements are leading to more discoveries than ever before.
“Something to remember is that we live in an age of discovery,” Upton said. “New techniques and technologies are allowing us to reveal things in the natural world that we’ve never been able to before. We will continue to find new viruses in new places.”
While this discovery is significant, Auburn researchers reiterate that there is no immediate public health concern. Their work will continue to help us understand the role of viruses in wildlife and their potential impact on ecosystems.
