Identification of a novel papillomavirus from a New Zealand fur seal with oral papilloma-like lesions
Despite being the predominant seal species in the Australian-New Zealand region and serving as key indicators of marine health, little is known about infectious diseases in New Zealand fur seals (Long-nosed fur seal; Arctocephalus forsteri). Papillomaviruses are non-enveloped, double-stranded DNA viruses with a broad host range, including diverse amniote species from terrestrial and aquatic environments. Several papillomaviruses have been identified in earless seals and sea lions, with the latter linked to cutaneous plaques and invasive squamous cell carcinoma. To date, however, none have been reported in fur seals. Herein, we used traditional veterinary diagnostic techniques and meta-transcriptomic sequencing of archival tissue samples to investigate oral papilloma-like lesions in a New Zealand fur seal. We identified a novel papillomavirus, provisionally termed arctocephalus forsteri papillomavirus 1 (AfPV1). RT-PCR confirmed the presence of AfPV1 only in oral papilloma samples from the affected individual. Phylogenetic analysis of the complete 7,926 bp genome of AfPV1 revealed that it clustered with taupapillomaviruses found in related Carnivora species. In addition, we identified the partial genome of a novel Gammaherpesvirus, arctocephalus forsteri gammaherpesvirus 1 (AfGHV1), in a different individual without pathological evidence of viral infection. These findings highlight the need for further research into the disease associations and impact of this novel seal papillomavirus on New Zealand fur seals.