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Florida Lab Uncovers New Viruses in White-Tailed Deer

7/16/2025

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Summary

Lednicky Lab Discovers Viruses

In Florida, the Lednicky lab has made a groundbreaking discovery, identifying two new viruses—jeilongvirus and orthoreovirus—in farmed white-tailed deer. The orthoreovirus strain's genetic ties to those found in mink and a lion spark urgent questions about how these viruses spread. This revelation underscores the critical need for continuous monitoring of viral evolution.

Summary

Pepper Cat Discovers Viruses

In Florida, Pepper the cat has become an unlikely hero in the fight against viruses, helping scientists uncover two new strains. His latest catch, an Everglades short-tailed shrew, unveiled a mysterious orthoreovirus capable of infecting both humans and mammals. This groundbreaking discovery, detailed in *Microbiology Letters*, underscores the urgent need for vigilant virus monitoring.

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Lednicky Lab Discovers Viruses

In Florida, the Lednicky lab has made a groundbreaking discovery, identifying two new viruses—jeilongvirus and orthoreovirus—in farmed white-tailed deer. The orthoreovirus strain's genetic ties to those found in mink and a lion spark urgent questions about how these viruses spread. This revelation underscores the critical need for continuous monitoring of viral evolution.

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