Viral metagenomic analysis of feces of wild small carnivores in Spain: identification of various novel viruses including a rhabdovirus, a theilovirus and two phleboviruses. Viral metagenomics of feces of wild carnivores in Spain

Viruses circulating among wildlife continue to cross the species barrier, occasionally causing outbreaks of disease among humans. A profound knowledge of the viral diversity present in wild animals might help to predict future transmission risks. In the present study we evaluated the viral microbiome of fecal samples collected from various species of wild carnivores (n=43, American minks, Common genets, Eurasian badgers, an Eurasian otter, European mink, European pine marten, Polecat, Red foxes, a Stone marten and a Wild cat) that lived in the northern part of Spain. Sequences of various known and unknown viruses were detected, including a novel rhabdovirus, amdovirus, theilovirus, phleboviruses, kobuvirus and picobirnaviruses. These novel viruses highlight the viral diversity of viruses that is present among wild carnivores.