Ecology, Evolution, and Transmission Dynamics of Avian Influenza Viruses in Domestic and Wild Birds

Avian influenza viruses not only infect birds but can also cross the host barrier to infect mammals, especially humans, posing a serious threat to global health. Aquatic birds are regarded as the reservoir for avian influenza virus, and the migration of wild birds acts as a route for the long-distance spread of avian influenza viruses into countries with domestic bird populations. The population of domestic birds has risen significantly in the past twenty years. The co-circulation of domestic and wild birds, along with mammals, accelerates the reassortment and fitness of avian influenza viruses, posing a serious threat to human health. Therefore, comprehensive surveillance and analysis of the ecology, evolution, and transmission dynamics of avian influenza viruses in birds is urgently needed.

The goal of this Research Topic is to explore the epidemiology, genomic evolution, and transmission dynamics of avian influenza viruses from domestic and wild birds, and decipher the role of birds in shaping the ecology of avian influenza viruses.

This Research Topic aims to highlight the most advanced research studies on the ecology, evolution, transmission dynamics, and pathogenesis of avian influenza viruses. We welcome the submission of Original Research Articles and Reviews that address the above issues. The submissions can cover, but are not limited to, the following sub-topics:
- influenza virus transmission between/within domestic and wild birds
and mammals;
- influenza virus ecology, evolution, and transmission dynamics;
- influenza virus pathogenicity in birds and virulence determinants.