A taxonomically harmonized global dataset of wild bird hosts for avian influenza virus surveillance

TL;DR

This paper creates a standardized global dataset of wild bird species that host avian influenza viruses, improving global monitoring and analysis.

Contribution

The paper introduces a taxonomically harmonized dataset of 394 wild bird species linked to avian influenza virus isolates.

Findings

The dataset includes 394 wild bird species across 26 orders, with Anseriformes and Charadriiformes being prominent.

The dataset resolves inconsistencies in host reporting and provides a foundation for ecological and virological studies.

It is structured in machine-readable formats to support reproducible, large-scale analyses.

Abstract

Wild birds are key natural reservoirs and play a central role in the global spread of avian influenza viruses (AIVs). However, the absence of a standardized global list of wild bird hosts has limited comprehensive AIV risk monitoring and assessment within the One Health framework. Here, we generate a taxonomically harmonized dataset of AIV wild bird hosts, derived from 23,358 viral isolates of wild bird origin reported in the GISAID EpiFluTM database from 1973 to 2023. Host names were systematically extracted, validated, and harmonized to resolve reporting inconsistencies and unify taxonomy across records. The dataset comprises 394 wild bird species spanning 26 orders, with Anseriformes and Charadriiformes representing a substantial share of host diversity. By clarifying the global spectrum of wild bird hosts for AIVs, this dataset provides a foundation for host identification, phylogenetic annotation, and ecological trait-based analysis. Structured in machine-readable formats, it enables reproducible and large-scale, species-level studies spanning virology, epidemiology, and biodiversity.

Figures