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Recent outbreaks of zoonotic influenza viruses underscored the need for a deeper understanding of transmission pathways and factors influencing spillover events. Understanding the combined effects of environmental conditions, host interactions, and viral adaptations is essential for effective preparedness and response. The WHO public health research agenda for influenza, revised in 2017, recommended research to further define the host-to-host transmission pathways of influenza type A viruses. Since 2017, important research has been conducted, and the global health landscape has changed. Therefore, there is a need to review the transmission pathway studies conducted during the last eight years. We conducted a systematic analysis following the PRISMA guidelines on 7490 PubMed records from 2017 to 2024, of which 219 records were retained. This review evaluates research on zoonotic influenza virus transmission among wild and domestic animals and cross-species transmission to humans. By examining pathways, host, environmental, and viral factors, this review identified key findings and research gaps. Research remains limited in critical areas including transmission pathways among diverse animals, role of environmental factors, and zoonotic potential across regions. Addressing these gaps is essential for improving public health strategies. This review highlights the necessity of integrating a One Health approach in addressing zoonotic influenza risks.
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; Zhang, Wenqing 2 ; Tam John S. L. 3 ; Webby, Richard 4
; van der Werf Sylvie 5 ; Nikisins Sergejs 2 ; Cullinane, Ann 6 ; Gharaibeh Saad 7 ; Njouom, Richard 8 ; Peiris Malik 9 ; Kayali Ghazi 1 ; Heraud Jean-Michel 2
1 Human Link DMCC, Dubai 0000, United Arab Emirates; [email protected]
2 Global Influenza Programme, World Health Organization, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland; [email protected] (W.Z.); [email protected] (S.N.)
3 Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong SAR 999077, China; [email protected]
4 Department of Infectious Diseases, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA; [email protected]
5 Molecular Genetics of RNA Viruses Unit, Institut Pasteur, 75015 Paris, France; [email protected]
6 Virology Unit, The Irish Equine Centre, Johnstown, Naas, Co., W91 RH93 Kildare, Ireland; [email protected]
7 Department of Veterinary Pathology and Public Health, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid 22110, Jordan; [email protected]
8 Virology Unit, Centre Pasteur du Cameroun, Yaoundé P.O. Box 1274, Cameroon; [email protected]
9 School of Public Health, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR 999077, China; [email protected]