Wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) has proven to be a powerful tool for the population-level monitoring of pathogens, particularly severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). For assessment, several wastewater sampling regimes and methods of viral concentration have been investigated, mainly targeting SARS-CoV-2. However, the use of passive samplers in near-source environments for a range of viruses in wastewater is still under-investigated. To address this, near-source passive samples were taken at four locations targeting student hall of residence. These were chosen as an exemplar due to their high population density and perceived risk of disease transmission. Viruses investigated were SARS-CoV-2 and its variants of concern (VOCs), influenza viruses, and enteroviruses. Sampling was conducted either in the morning, where passive samplers were in place overnight (17 h) and during the day, with exposure of 7 h. We demonstrated the usefulness of near-source passive sampling for the detection of VOCs using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and next-generation sequencing (NGS). Furthermore, several outbreaks of influenza A and sporadic outbreaks of enteroviruses (some associated with enterovirus D68 and coxsackieviruses) were identified among the resident student population, providing evidence of the usefulness of near-source, in-sewer sampling for monitoring the health of high population density communities.

Poultry enteric diseases are an important economic problem involving many etiologic agents, including enteric viruses. Several viral agents have been detected around the world in enteric contents isolated from commercial chicken and turkeys flocks that initially appear healthy but exhibit enteric signs, such as diarrhoea, decreased food consumption, loss of body weight, and mortality. Chicken astrovirus, avian nephritis virus, chicken parvovirus, infectious bronchitis virus, fowl adenovirus group 1, avian reovirus, and avian rotavirus have been identified in chickens with enteric diseases. However, no single virus has been established as directly causative of enteric diseases. Knowledge of these viruses is minimal, and information regarding their role in enteric diseases is also scarce. This lack of knowledge, together with the important economic impact that enteric diseases have on poultry, justify the importance of their study. In the present review, all viruses involved in enteric diseases are discussed, with greater emphasis placed on those of the most prevalent.