Identification of multiple novel viruses in feces of red foxes including a parvovirus and hepevirus by viral metagenomics

Red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) are the most widespread members of the order of Carnivora. Since they often live in (peri)urban areas, they are a potential reservoir of viruses that transmit from wildlife to humans or domestic animals. Here we evaluated the fecal viral microbiome of 13 red foxes by random PCR in combination with next-generation sequencing. Various novel viruses, including a new parvovirus, hepevirus, astrovirus and picobirnavirus were identified.