Genomic characterization of a novel pegivirus species from free-ranging bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) in the Indian River Lagoon, Florida

•Discovery of the first pegivirus sequenced from a cetacean species.•Dolphin pegivirus is a new species within the genus Pegivirus, family Flaviviridae.•Potential role of dolphin pegivirus in hepatic disease in bottlenose dolphins. We report the discovery of the first cetacean pegivirus (family Flaviviridae) using a next-generation sequencing approach. One of two infected bottlenose dolphins had elevated activities of liver enzymes, which may suggest hepatocellular injury. Further research is needed to determine the epidemiology and pathogenicity of dolphin pegivirus.