It is with great pleasure that we are publishing the second volume of the Journal of Emerging Diseases and Virology. 2016 is also the 2^nd year that the journal has existed. We would like to thank the authors for contributing exciting and new studies that are focused on the study of viruses and emerging viral diseases. Secondly, it is appropriate to thank all of the individuals who have reviewed manuscripts in a timely fashion. Without the hard work and expertise of the reviewers, the journal would not be able to publish the new and exciting articles that are presented in this volume. We are optimistic that 2016 will be a year of growth and accomplishments for the Journal of Emerging Diseases and Virology.

Viral diseases are continuing to be a significant threat to humans, food animals, companion animals, as well as plants. Although certain viral diseases are currently being effectively controlled, emerging viral diseases, MERS-CoV (Middle East respiratory coronavirus), SARS and West Nile virus infections for example, continue to “pop up” at an alarming rate. Recent outbreaks of emerging or new viral diseases also seem to be occurring more frequently. We have also recently witnessed outbreaks of Ebola virus disease in Western areas of Africa, human infections with novel avian influenza viruses, and chikungunya fever “popping up” in the Americas. Widespread losses in the poultry industry to novel and virulent strains of avian influenza have also occurred during the last year. Finally, the emerging swine coronavirus, Porcine Respiratory Corona Virus, continues to be a wide spread problem for the swine industry. These are but a few examples of the emerging viral pathogens that we have recently witnessed.

Why does it appear that we are observing an increase in the numbers of emerging viral diseases and viruses? There is no doubt that increased air travel and urbanization has led to the emergence and rapid spread of viruses to populations that have not been exposed to these viruses. New technologies are also playing an important role with respect to the identification of “new viruses” that are associated with non-descript diseases that have existed for many years. These same technologies are being used to develop rapid means to identify these viruses in diseased individuals. We must also hope that advanced technologies will lead to the identification of broad-spectrum antiviral therapies that effectively target multiple viruses in a similar fashion as broad-spectrum antibiotics for bacterial pathogens. In summary, we must stay vigilant in our studies to identify, diagnose, and develop antivirals designed to prevent current and future emerging diseases.