Two new mutant viruses with ‘pandemic potential’ have been detected by experts: ‘Major threat to public health’ | 5 Feb 2026 | Leading scientists have issued an urgent warning that two little-known animal viruses could “easily” spark the next pandemic if they jump to humans. In a new review, scientists warned that influenza D — a virus that mainly infects cattle — and canine coronavirus, a highly contagious virus found in dogs, have the potential to mutate and spread among humans. The warning was published in January in a CDC-backed paper and echoes growing concerns about animal-borne viruses with pandemic potential, including Nipah virus, an incurable pathogen currently spreading in parts of India. [Do not comply.]