Systematic Literature Review: Distribution and Diversity of Avian Influenza Subtypes in Migratory Wild Birds in Asia and Australia

Rosanty Rosanty; Putri  Pandarangga; Novalino H. G. Kallau

doi:10.58344/ihj.v5i3.987

Authors

Rosanty Rosanty Universitas Nusa Cendana
Putri Pandarangga Universitas Nusa Cendana
Novalino H. G. Kallau Universitas Nusa Cendana

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.58344/ihj.v5i3.987

Keywords:

Avian Influenza Virus, AIV, Migratory Wild Birds, Shorebirds, Waterfowl, East Asian-Australasian Flyway

Abstract

Avian influenza A viruses (AIVs) have been detected in migratory wild birds, raising concerns regarding their geographic distribution, subtype diversity, and surveillance along the East Asian–Australasian Flyway. This systematic literature review synthesized findings from studies investigating AIVs in migratory wild birds across Asia and Australia. Relevant literature was identified through searches of PubMed, Scopus, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar, resulting in 29 eligible articles selected according to predefined inclusion criteria. The synthesis examined reported geographic locations, avian host groups, viral subtypes, diagnostic methods, and prevalence estimates. The included studies documented AIV detections in China, South Korea, Japan, Bangladesh, Siberian Russia, and Australia, predominantly among species belonging to the orders Anseriformes and Charadriiformes. Multiple hemagglutinin (HA) and neuraminidase (NA) subtype combinations were identified, including viruses belonging to the H5, H6, H4, H3, and H7 hemagglutinin subtype groups. Common diagnostic approaches included reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), quantitative reverse transcription PCR (RT-qPCR), virus isolation, genomic sequencing, and phylogenetic analysis. Reported detection positivity rates and prevalence estimates varied considerably, with many studies reporting values below 10%. However, differences in sampling strategies, sample denominators, and laboratory methods limited direct comparisons across studies. The observed geographic patterns reflected the distribution of published surveillance activities rather than the complete geographic distribution of AIVs, while viral detection alone did not establish cross-regional transmission by individual migratory birds. The findings highlighted the importance of standardized surveillance protocols and integrated One Health monitoring to improve understanding of AIV distribution and subtype diversity. Furthermore, inconsistencies in reported sample denominators and subtype counts underscored the need for careful verification and harmonization of extracted data to strengthen the reliability of future surveillance syntheses.

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