A novel genetically distinct Amdoparvovirus in Sorex araneus in the United Kingdom highlights an unexplored ancestral link

Abstract

Amdoparvoviruses have historically been documented almost exclusively in carnivores, with recent detections in bats. However, endogenous viral elements in rodent genomes suggest a more ancient and taxonomically broader evolutionary history. Despite this, small mammals have never been systematically surveyed for extant amdoparvovirus infections. In this study, we used whole genome sequencing to screen four different shrew species and wild American mink in the UK, which may act as a reservoir host for amdoparvoviruses. We identified a highly divergent amdoparvovirus in native common shrews (Sorex araneus) from northern England, tentatively named Shrew parvovirus 1(SP 1). Classical amdoparvovirus sequences were also detected in wild American mink (Neogale vison), confirming the presence of known amdoparvovirus strains in UK mustelids. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the shrew virus, SP 1, forms a distinct clade, suggesting ancient divergence or long-term cryptic circulation in small mammal reservoirs. These findings fundamentally challenge the hypothesis that amdoparvoviruses are carnivore-restricted pathogens and underscore the importance of systematic wildlife surveillance for understanding viral host range evolution and assessing spillover risks.