Trans-Species Pathogenic Threats (02:01)

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Mystery viruses H7N9, Mers-CoV, and Ebola recently emerged from the animal kingdom. Scientists race against the clock to learn their origins, and how to prevent their spread.

Pandemic Response System (01:40)

WHO specialists monitor new pathogenic strains. They currently follow H7N9 in China using interactive maps.

Mers-Coronavirus (01:21)

The Mers-CoV was first identified in Saudi Arabia. Pilgrims to Mecca could spread it globally.

Investigating Viral Origins (01:47)

Dr. Peter Daszak tracks new pathogens transmitted from animals. The Mers-CoV is linked to camels and bats.

Pandemic Fears (00:49)

Hear mortality statistics of the Spanish Flu. Since then, improved sanitary conditions, vaccinations, and antibiotics have helped control outbreaks.

Virus Hot Spots (02:20)

In the 1980s, HIV proved epidemics are still a threat. Mers and N7N9 follow a similar emergence pattern; animals transmit pathogens in areas of rapid habitat change.

Filovirus Reservoirs (04:14)

Central Africa is home to Ebola and Marburg. Franceville International Center for Medical Research (CIRMF) scientists collect bat species to test for hemorrhagic fever pathogens.

Ebola Reservoir (00:56)

Researchers first believed monkeys harbored the virus. In Gabon in 1996, children became infected from a chimpanzee.

Ebola Outbreaks (00:52)

The virus appears in remote Central Africa. Scientists test animals near infected villages to search for its origins.

Ebola Research (02:14)

CIRMF researchers study hemorrhagic fever blood in local laboratories. They found the virus in bats; they study all viruses specific to each species to learn about replication.

Search for the Next Pandemic (01:32)

Daszak says there are 300,000 undiscovered viruses. His team analyzes new strains from viral hot spots at Columbia University.

Mers Virus Origins Research (02:17)

Virology Professor Ian Lipkin and Daszak study bats known to carry the Mers virus. They explain the human-to- human transmission process and why pandemics must be halted in the wild.

SARS Panic (01:05)

In 2003, a pathogen in the Coronavirus family was transmitted to humans. Lipkin recalls the deserted Beijing streets.

SARS Outbreak Epicenter (01:19)

Professor Malik Peiris recalls the first case in Hong Kong. The patient infected 15 other people who traveled abroad and started outbreaks.

Avian Flu Outbreak (02:14)

Hong Kong took H7N9 seriously in 2013. The virus wasn't yet transmittable among humans, but authorities feared it would combine with seasonal flu and become highly infectious.

Viral Vectors (02:40)

Wild birds were H7N9 reservoirs; poultry transferred the virus to humans. Daszak observes unsanitary conditions and potential high exposure at a chicken market in China.

Crossing the Species Barrier (02:27)

Chinese poultry farmers bring free range birds inside the house, risking infection. Viruses develop faster than vaccines.

Testing for Avian Flu (01:12)

Daszak takes samples from chickens on a Chinese farm, searching for viral hot spots

Controversial Pathogen Research (02:17)

In a race against viruses, Dutch scientists are creating mutations of H7N9—sparking bioterrorism fears.

Vaccination Research (02:36)

Dutch scientists mutated H5N1 for human-to-human transmission. A project leader believes his work in creating anti-viral drugs outweighs bioterrorism threats.

Creating a Monster (01:08)

WHO recently lifted a moratorium on lab engineered viruses. A French bioterrorism expert says the pandemic risk outweighs research benefits.

Ebola Threat (01:51)

A new viral strain has surprised WHO. Officials meet to discuss its spread in West Africa.

Guinea Cases (01:18)

Ebola was reported in Conakry—the first time it's reached a major city. A French virologist explains how infection pathways could overwhelm the health system.

Ebola "Village" (02:13)

At a Doctors Without Borders facility in Conakry, doctors care for the dying and isolate potential patients. Learn about protective measures during testing and diagnosis.

International Response (00:42)

A French doctor discusses the importance of halting Ebola's spread.

Ebola Survivor (01:11)

Doctors cured a few cases in June 2014; Bakary Oulare describes his brush with death.

One Health Concept (00:43)

With viruses transmitted from bats and birds, scientists recognize animal and human interdependence—a link shedding new light on environmental degradation.

Rat Virus Research (01:12)

French researchers study rats in Thailand. Habitat change caused several species extinctions—but new illnesses are emerging in villages.

Rodent Viral Threat (01:03)

As agriculture decreases pathogenic diversity in Thailand, remaining strains strengthen and transmit to fleas, ticks, and mites—increasing human infection risk.

New Pandemic Paradigm (01:17)

The One Health approach to pathogens provides incentive to slow environmental changes and habitat destruction.

Credits: Epidemics: the Invisible Threat (01:09)

Credits: Epidemics: the Invisible Threat