  In this study we document the unexpected discovery of multiple coronaviruses
and a BSL-3 pathogen in agricultural cotton and rice sequencing datasets. In
particular, we have identified a novel HKU5-related Merbecovirus in a cotton
dataset sequenced by the Huazhong Agricultural University in 2017. We have also
found an infectious clone sequence containing a novel HKU4-related Merbecovirus
related to MERS coronavirus in a rice dataset sequenced by the Huazhong
Agricultural University in early 2020. Another HKU5-related Merbecovirus, as
well as Japanese encephalitis virus, were identified in a cotton dataset
sequenced by the Huazhong Agricultural University in 2018. An HKU3-related
Betacoronavirus was found in a Mus musculus sequencing dataset from the Wuhan
Institute of Virology in 2017. Finally, a SARS-WIV1-like Betacoronavirus was
found in a rice dataset sequenced by the Fujian Agriculture and Forestry
University in 2017. Using the contaminating reads we have extracted from the
above datasets, we were able to assemble complete genomes of two novel
coronaviruses which we disclose herein. In light of our findings, we raise
concerns about biosafety protocol breaches, as indicated by our discovery of
multiple dangerous human pathogens in agricultural sequencing laboratories in
Wuhan and Fouzou City, China.
