Abstract
One-third of infectious diseases have a zoonotic origin. Rapid urbanization
and industrialization have affected the environment and increased the chance of
spillover of different viral zoonotic pathogens. Viral epidemics of zoonotic origin are
now becoming a menace for humanity. The most notable example is the COVID-19
pandemic that spread all over the world within weeks. Different animals such as bats,
canines, non-human primates and birds act as reservoir hosts of many viruses. Sudden
amplification of these viruses by amplifier hosts can lead to drastic outcomes.
Researchers from different biological fields should work in liaison for a better
understanding of genetic factors of viruses that can become the source of sudden
mutation and increased pathogenicity and transmission to other hosts.
Keywords: Bats, Corona, Epidemic, Pandemic, Viral reservoirs.