RNA virome in wild birds

It has been estimated that more than 99% of all existing viruses remain undiscovered, most of which will originate in wildlife. Birds comprise a huge array of species, many of which share our cities, drinking water and refuse. With the exception of socioeconomically relevant viruses or those that cause observable mass mortality events, little is known about bird virus diversity, abundance and ecology. Using a meta-transcriptomic approach we aimed to characterize avian viromes and described viral species, including novel species, from four avian host species. Importantly, samples represent different host species, host order, ecotype and influenza A virus infection status in order to disentangle effects of various variables on virome composition in wild birds.