Classification recommendation of the ZKBS for Cedar henipavirus (CedPV)

The virus under evaluation is closely related to Nipah henipavirus (NiV) and Hendra henipavirus (HeV). The virus's host range includes fruit bats, ferrets, hamsters, and guinea pigs. Furthermore, initial studies indicate that humans can also be infected by CedPV, using the human protein ephrin-B2 as a receptor.

Further investigation of pathogenicity was carried out through infection experiments on various rodents. Virus replication and the development of antibodies against the virus occurred in the animals. Overall, however, CedPV was found to be less pathogenic than other henipaviruses.

For this reason, the ZKBS recommends classifying Cedar henipavirus (CedPV) in risk group 2 for genetic engineering work.

The full statement can be found here.