Data from: Ecosystem interactions underlie the spread of avian influenza A viruses with pandemic potential

Despite evidence for avian influenza A virus (AIV) transmission between
wild and domestic ecosystems, the roles of bird migration and poultry
trade in the spread of viruses remain enigmatic. In this study we
integrate ecosystem interactions into a phylogeographic model to assess
the contribution of wild and domestic hosts to AIV distribution and
persistence. Analysis of globally sampled AIV datasets shows frequent
two-way transmission between wild and domestic ecosystems. In general,
viral flow from domestic to wild bird populations was restricted to within
a geographic region. In contrast, spillover from wild to domestic
populations occurred both within and between regions. Wild birds mediated
long-distance dispersal at intercontinental scales whereas viral spread
among poultry populations was a major driver of regional spread. Viral
spread between poultry flocks frequently originated from persistent
lineages circulating in regions of intensive poultry production. Our
analysis of long-term surveillance data demonstrates that meaningful
insights can be inferred from integrating ecosystem into phylogeographic
reconstructions that may be consequential for pandemic preparedness and
livestock protection.