Coronaviruses in wild birds - A potential and suitable vector for global distribution

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Virology
• Wildlife Disease Ecology
• Global Health Security

Background:

• Recurrent outbreaks of novel coronaviruses (CoVs) pose significant global health threats.
• Wild birds, due to their biodiversity and migratory patterns, are increasingly recognized as potential reservoirs for zoonotic viruses.
• Understanding the role of wild birds in CoV transmission is critical for preventing future pandemics.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review and synthesize current evidence on the global distribution and types of coronaviruses found in wild birds.
• To identify major wild bird orders associated with CoV infections.
• To highlight the prevalence of specific CoV types (Gammacoronavirus, Deltacoronavirus) in wild bird populations.

Main Methods:

• Comprehensive literature review of studies on coronaviruses in wild birds.
• Analysis of reported CoV types and associated wild bird species globally.
• Synthesis of data on the ecological and immunological factors contributing to CoV spread in wild birds.

Main Results:

• Gammacoronavirus and Deltacoronavirus are the predominant CoV types identified in wild birds.
• Various bird orders, including Anseriformes, Charadriiformes, and Passeriformes, are frequently associated with CoVs.
• Evidence suggests wild birds can act as vectors for zoonotic CoV spread.

Conclusions:

• Wild birds harbor diverse coronaviruses, with Gammacoronavirus and Deltacoronavirus being most common.
• Their ecological traits facilitate the global dissemination of CoVs, posing a zoonotic risk.
• Further research and continuous surveillance are essential to assess the full scope of CoV transmission from wild birds and mitigate potential outbreaks.