Data from: Intercontinental genetic structure and gene flow in Dunlin (Calidris alpina), a potential vector of avian influenza

Waterfowl (Anseriformes) and shorebirds (Charadriiformes) are the most
common wild vectors of influenza A viruses. Due to their migratory
behavior, some may transmit disease over long distances. Migratory
connectivity studies can link breeding and nonbreeding grounds while
illustrating potential interactions among populations that may spread
diseases. We investigated Dunlin (Calidris alpina), a shorebird with a
subspecies (C. a. arcticola) that migrates from nonbreeding areas endemic
to avian influenza in eastern Asia to breeding grounds in northern Alaska.
Using microsatellites and mitochondrial DNA, we illustrate genetic
structure among six subspecies: C. a. arcticola, C. a. pacifica, C. a.
hudsonia, C. a. sakhalina, C. a. kistchinski, and C. a. actites. We
demonstrate that mitochondrial DNA can help distinguish C. a. arcticola on
the Asian nonbreeding grounds with >70% accuracy depending on their
relative abundance, indicating that genetics can help determine if C. a.
arcticola occurs where they may be exposed to highly pathogenic avian
influenza (HPAI) during outbreaks. Our data reveal asymmetric
intercontinental gene flow, with some C. a. arcticola short-stopping
migration to breed with C. a. pacifica in western Alaska. Because C. a.
pacifica migrates along the Pacific Coast of North America, interactions
between these subspecies and other taxa provides route for transmission of
HPAI into other parts of North America.