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Artificial intelligence predicts unknown links between viruses and mammals
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An abstract representation of networks of (1) observed and (2) predicted associations between wild and semi-domesticated mammalian hosts and known virus species. Image: Dr Maya Wardeh
Scientists appear to be under-estimating the reach of viruses, in terms of the number of animal species they are capable of infecting, research findings suggest.
Thousands of viruses are known to affect mammals, with recent estimates indicating that less than 1% of mammalian viral diversity has been discovered to date.
Some of these viruses have a very narrow host range, whereas others such as rabies and West Nile viruses have very wide host ranges.