What family of RNA viruses is known to cause respiratory diseases in both animals and humans?

The family of RNA viruses known to cause respiratory diseases in both animals and humans is the Coronavirus family. Coronaviruses are a large group of viruses that can cause a variety of illnesses, ranging from the common cold to more severe respiratory diseases like SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome) and MERS (Middle East Respiratory Syndrome). In addition to affecting humans, certain coronaviruses can also infect animals, which may lead to cross-species transmission.

This versatility in hosts and the ability to cause significant respiratory illnesses highlight the importance of coronaviruses in both veterinary and human health contexts. Understanding their transmission and pathology is crucial for addressing outbreaks and managing public health responses.

Other families of viruses in the choices also cause respiratory diseases, but they are more specialized or limited in their host ranges or the severity of the diseases they cause in specific populations.