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Humans are susceptible to only a few species of viruses out of the wide variety of viruses that can infect animals. Current estimates put the number of animal viruses in nature at between 260,000 and more than 1.6 million. Changes in the interaction between humans and animals increase the chance of zoonosis, infection that passes between different species. Experts warn that humans can also pass viruses to animals: "Any time viruses are given the opportunity to mix with other creatures, serious problems can arise, especially when they can jump between animals and humans, in both directions," says veterinarian Casey Barton Behravesh, director of the CDC's One Health Office.
FBR SmartBrief
Translation: Let the Patients Live