Avian influenza viruses (AIVs) continue to pose remarkable threats to domestic and wild birds across the world. Traditionally confined to avian species, AIVs have shown an alarming trend of expanding their host range to include mammals, posing significant zoonotic threats. Recent reports of AIV infections in cattle highlight the virus's evolving adaptability and potential for cross-species transmission. Multiple virus, host, and ecological factors drive the host range expansion of AIVs. Mutations that facilitate viral adaptation to new hosts, the transmission dynamics between avian and mammalian species, and the interactions between viral proteins and host immune responses provide insights into the mechanisms underlying differential susceptibility of avian species and cross-species transmissions. The knowledge is crucial for informing surveillance strategies and risk assessments, preventing future outbreaks and mitigating the impact of AIVs on both animal and human health.

This Research Topic aims to consolidate current knowledge and spur the understanding of the mechanism of differential pathogenicity across birds and mammals, development of innovative diagnostic approaches for avian influenza, improve vaccine design and efficacy, and assess the ecological impact on affected bird and mammal populations.

To enhance our strategies against avian influenza, it is essential to delineate the current research landscape and pinpoint critical areas requiring further investigation. Our focus will be on both basic and applied research, examining virus behaviour in controlled laboratory settings as well as in natural environments. This comprehensive approach will help us understand virus mechanisms of transmission, adaptation, and pathogenicity, thereby informing the development of more effective prevention and control measures. Suggested Topics include, but are not limited to:

- Innovative vaccine and antiviral development and mitigation strategies
- Evolution and adaptations of the AIVs in different host environments
- Techniques for rapid diagnosis and real-time monitoring of disease spread
- Impact assessment of AIVs outbreaks on wildlife and poultry industries
- Ecological interactions between wild and domestic bird populations

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Avian Influenza: Pathogenesis, Management, and Host Dynamics