Diverse novel and avian-associated viruses in the ileal viromes of northern mockingbird (Mimus polyglottos)
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Abstract
Viruses are the most abundant and diverse organisms on Earth, though only a small portion cause disease. Understanding viral diversity is key to understanding and predicting pathogen emergence and zoonotic spillover. Here, we use meta-transcriptomic sequencing to examine the viral communities in the ileum of 25 Northern Mockingbirds (Mimus polyglottos) from various locations across Texas. We assembled high-quality genomes of 43 viral species (40 species identified to 13 families, one to kingdom, and two to realm), 38 of which were novel. They tentatively represent avian- (n = 3), arthropod- (n = 21), plant- (n = 5) and fungi- (n = 4) associated, or other (n = 10) viruses. The arthropod-associated Dicistroviridae family was the most dominant, comprising known and potentially new species. Of potential epidemiological importance were three novel and avian-associated viruses: members of the families Hepeviridae and Picornaviridae, and a new Matryoshka RNA virus. The Matryoshka RNA virus 8 (MaRNAV-8) is sister to other Matryoshka RNA viruses, and its co-occurrence with haemosporida further supports the nested virus-parasite-vector-vertebrate host relationship of this group of viruses, with potential implications for parasite evolution, fitness and load and vector competence. The Picornaviridae virus is a member of an avian hepatovirus clade, found nested within a clade containing both the mammalian pathogens Hepatovirus A – I and the avian Tremovirus pathogens, suggestive of a newly discovered pathogen of Northern Mockingbird. Although the recovered Hepeviridae virus is of unknown pathology, its family members include the Hepatitis E viruses. With the great diversity and novelty described from ileal viromes, discriminating potential pathogens and commensal microbiota from viruses associated with food items remains challenging. A deeper understanding of virus transmission and the risk of potential zoonosis can be enhanced by tracking viruses through the food web and via inter-specific and predator-prey interactions, particular in areas subject to land-use change, where human-wildlife interactions are increased and the risks from emerging pathogens of veterinary and medical importance are more pronounced.
Suggested Citation
Bourke, B.P., Drovetski, S.V., Ergunay, K., Linton, Y., and Voelker, G., 2026, Diverse novel and avian-associated viruses in the ileal viromes of northern mockingbird (Mimus polyglottos): Archives of Virology, v. 171, 108, 14 p., https://doi.org/10.1007/s00705-026-06575-8.
Study Area
| Publication type | Article |
|---|---|
| Publication Subtype | Journal Article |
| Title | Diverse novel and avian-associated viruses in the ileal viromes of northern mockingbird (Mimus polyglottos) |
| Series title | Archives of Virology |
| DOI | 10.1007/s00705-026-06575-8 |
| Volume | 171 |
| Publication Date | March 01, 2026 |
| Year Published | 2026 |
| Language | English |
| Publisher | Springer Nature |
| Contributing office(s) | Eastern Ecological Science Center |
| Description | 108, 14 p. |
| Country | United States |
| State | Texas |