Animal viruses have significantly contributed to understanding cell biology and developing preventive strategies against infectious diseases. Nonetheless, research on human viruses has taken precedence due to their impact on public health, the availability of funding, and various societal factors. Consequently, studies on animal viruses, especially those affecting ruminants, have been relatively limited. The focus on ruminant viruses has not matched the attention given to human viruses.

The outbreak of viral diseases in ruminants, such as foot and mouth disease and peste des petits ruminants, frequently impacts the agricultural economy in developing and underdeveloped countries. For example, PPR in European countries in mid-2024 led to the culling of thousands of sheep and considerable economic losses. The bovine respiratory disease complex (BRDC) causes severe financial losses to the cattle industry worldwide. Growing evidence suggests that the recently discovered influenza D virus plays a role in BRDC. Additionally, identifying highly pathogenic avian influenza A H5N1 infection in US cattle highlights the urgent need for further research on viruses infecting ruminants. Research on these viruses is essential to understanding the virus biology and virus-host interactions, which will inform the development of effective mitigation strategies. Further, surveilling zoonotic viruses following one health approach is necessary to monitor the spillover to humans. Many nations are now prioritizing research on ruminant viruses, which is expected to yield valuable insights into emerging viral threats.

To gather further insights into these complex interactions, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:

o Novel diagnostic methodologies for ruminant diseases

o Vaccine development and strategies for prevention of viral diseases in ruminants

o Economic analyses of viral outbreaks and their impact on agrarian economies

o One Health approaches to managing zoonotic risks in animal farming

o Studies on recent outbreaks and their management in ruminant populations.

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Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology

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