Hudson Research Explores Airborne Viral Detection Near Bat Roosts

A collaborative study involving Hongwan Li, assistant professor in the Department of Occupational and Environmental Health at the OU Hudson College of Public Health, is highlighting the potential of environmental air sampling to support viral surveillance and public health research.

Recently published in the Journal of Aerosol Science, the study, “Genetic Evidence of Three Mammalian Viruses in Breathing-Level Air Adjacent to Artificial Bat Roosts Situated in a University Campus,” examined how breathing-level bioaerosol sampling near artificial bat roosts can serve as a non-invasive method for monitoring wildlife-associated viruses in shared environments such as university campuses.

The research provided genetic evidence of three mammalian viruses detected in air samples collected near the roost sites. By utilizing breathing-level bioaerosol sampling, the study demonstrates the growing role of aerosol science and environmental health methods in environmental surveillance and early detection efforts.

The project brought together researchers from the University of Florida, University of Miami, University of Cincinnati and the OU Hudson College of Public Health, reflecting the interdisciplinary and collaborative nature of the work.

“This collaboration highlights the importance of bringing together expertise from multiple disciplines to better understand environmental exposures and emerging public health concerns,” Li said. “Studies like this can help inform future research approaches focused on monitoring shared environments in ways that are both innovative and minimally disruptive.”

The study also reflects key principles of One Health by connecting environmental monitoring, wildlife ecology, exposure science and airborne pathogen surveillance. Together, these disciplines help researchers better understand the complex interactions among human, animal and environmental health and strengthen efforts to assess potential zoonotic risks.

The research reflects the Department of Occupational and Environmental Health’s commitment to advancing innovative, interdisciplinary science that supports healthier environments and informs public health decision-making.