The global distribution and diversity of wild-bird-associated pathogens: An integrated data analysis and modeling study
Yunbo Qiu, Chen‐Long Lv, Jinjin Chen, Yanqun Sun, Tian Tang, Yuanyuan Zhang, Yufeng Yang, Guolin Wang, Qiang Xu, Xiao‐Ai Zhang, Feng Hong, Simon I Hay, Li‐Qun Fang, Wei Liu
Abstract
Background Wild birds are significant vectors in global pathogen transmission, but the diversity and spatial distribution of the pathogens detected in them remain unclear. Understanding the transmission dynamics and hotspots of wild-bird-associated pathogens (WBAPs) is crucial for early disease prevention. Methods We compiled an up-to-date dataset encompassing all WBAPs by conducting an extensive search of publications from 1959 to 2022, mapped their diversity and global distribution, and utilized three machine learning algorithms to predict geospatial hotspots where zoonotic and emerging WBAPs were prevalent. Findings Based on 1,834 selected studies, a total of 760 pathogens associated with 1,438 wild bird species were identified, including 387 emerging and 212 zoonotic pathogens. Migratory birds exhibited higher pathogen richness (593 species) but a lower proportion of zoonotic pathogens (27.2%) compared to resident birds (303 species and 39.3%, both p < 0.01). When comparing different ecological groups, waterfowl had the highest richness of zoonotic pathogens (128 species), followed by songbirds (76 species). The distribution of WBAPs was significantly influenced by the habitat suitability index of wild birds, mammalian richness, and climatic factors. The potential geographical hotspots of zoonotic and emerging WBAPs were widely distributed in tropical areas of Asia, Africa, and South America, with zoonotic WBAPs having a wider distribution in South America. Conclusions Our study illustrates that the geographical hotspots of WBAPs are more widespread than reported, especially in low-income areas, and that the identification, surveillance, and prevention of WBAP infections should be prioritized. Funding This work was funded by the National Key Research and Development Program of China. • Diversity and spatial distribution of 760 wild-bird-associated pathogens (WBAPs) • Migratory birds harbored a greater richness of emerging pathogens than resident birds • Songbirds are more susceptible to tick-borne pathogens than other wild bird groups • Zoonotic and emerging WBAPs are expected to be more widespread in tropical regions Wild birds serve as the primary hosts and vectors for interregional and cross-species transmission of pathogens, playing an important role in the occurrence of abnormal outbreaks and global epidemics. However, there is currently a lack of systematic characterization regarding the diversity of pathogens carried by wild birds, high-resolution assessment of their global spatial distribution, and potential hotspots. In this study, we conducted a systematic review of relevant literature to investigate the infection relationship between wild birds and pathogens. Additionally, we found that both the suitable habitat index of wild birds and climatic factors played crucial roles in shaping the distribution of wild-bird-associated pathogens (WBAPs), and the potential hotspots of WBAPs were predicted by the modeling analysis. Qiu et al. established a spatial distribution database of wild-bird-associated pathogens through extensive literature search and data collection. They mapped diversity matrices and distributions, systematically explored differences in pathogens among various wild bird populations, and linked wild bird habitats to pathogen distributions to predict geographic hotspots for pathogens.