Identification of Recombinant Aichivirus D in Cattle, Italy

Kobuviruses (KoVs) possess a wide host range and have been associated with enteric disease in several host species. On screening of 38 stool samples collected from healthy (n = 21) and diarrheic (n = 17) animals, using a pan-KoV RT-PCR, viral RNA was detected in 10/38 (26.3%) samples. Six strains (including two Aichivirus D strains) were from animals with enteric signs. Applying whole genome sequencing, the Aichivirus D strains (ITA/2019/572-1 and ITA/2020/30-2) showed a close relatedness with a Chinese Aichivirus D strain and a possible recombinant nature. Understanding the genetic diversity of KoVs in animals will be useful in improving diagnostics and filling epidemiological gaps.