Total virome characterizations of game animals in China reveals a spectrum of emerging viral pathogens

Abstract Game animals are wildlife species often traded and consumed as exotic food, and are potential reservoirs for SARS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2. We performed a meta-transcriptomic analysis of 1725 game animals, representing 16 species and five mammalian orders, sampled across China. From this we identified 71 mammalian viruses, with 45 described for the first time. Eighteen viruses were considered as potentially high risk to humans and domestic animals. Civets ( Paguma larvata ) carried the highest number of potentially high risk viruses. We identified the transmission of Bat coronavirus HKU8 from a bat to a civet, as well as cross-species jumps of coronaviruses from bats to hedgehogs and from birds to porcupines. We similarly identified avian Influenza A virus H9N2 in civets and Asian badgers, with the latter displaying respiratory symptoms, as well as cases of likely human-to-wildlife virus transmission. These data highlight the importance of game animals as potential drivers of disease emergence. Highlights 1725 game animals from five mammalian orders were surveyed for viruses 71 mammalian viruses were discovered, 18 with a potential risk to humans Civets harbored the highest number of potential ‘high risk’ viruses A species jump of an alphacoronavirus from bats to a civet was identified H9N2 influenza virus was detected in a civet and an Asian badger Humans viruses were also identified in game animals