A metagenomic investigation of the faecal RNA virome structure of asymptomatic chickens obtained from a commercial farm in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal province, South Africa.

Background: Virome studies on birds, including chickens are relatively scarce, particularly from the African continent. Despite the continuous evolution of RNA viruses and severe losses recorded in poultry from seasonal viral outbreaks, the information on RNA virome composition is even scantier as a result of their highly unstable nature, genetic diversity, and difficulties associated with characterization. Also, information on factors that may modulate the occurrence of some viruses in birds is limited, particularly for domesticated birds.