Emerging rhabdoviruses

Abstract

The family Rhabdoviridae is comprised of over 65 diverse species, including viruses of plants and animals. With the notable exception of the lyssaviruses, the majority of the rhabdoviruses rely on arthropod vectors for transmission. This diversity lends itself to the emergence and reemergence of zoonotic and epizootic viral diseases. In this chapter we will focus on emergent and re-emergent rhabdoviruses with clinical importance, as well as animal viruses with potential economic relevance. We will also consider a few of the burgeoning numbers of newly identified rhabdoviruses, their potential to become more widespread, and touch on the challenges involved in defining disease association. A number of rhabdoviruses, from diverse genera within the family Rhabdoviridae, can be considered new or emerging. Their possible clinical relevance, together with the potential for rapid spread and global impact makes these viruses an interesting and important group for future surveillance and study.