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

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 EpiFludatabase 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.