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Unexplored viral diversity in Siberian cranes and wild geese: metagenomic insights from a global wintering haven

Jing Gao,Weijie Han,Xiaojie Jiang,Yuan Xi,Yue Chen,Shiyin Huang,Xiaofeng Huang,Yang Zhang,Tianxiang Zhang,Manyu Zhang,Wen Zhang,Bin Ni

Published 2025 in mSystems

ABSTRACT

ABSTRACT Migratory birds are critical global carriers and vectors of various viruses, potentially driving the mutation and transmission of novel pathogens, especially zoonotic viruses. Despite advancements in sequencing technologies, the viral diversity in wintering Siberian cranes (Leucogeranus leucogeranus) and wild geese (Anser spp.) remains poorly understood. In this study, we conducted a viral metagenomic survey of fecal samples from 320 Siberian cranes and wild geese wintering in Poyang Lake, China. Through this approach, we identified 183 novel viruses associated with known and putative vertebrate-infecting viruses, including a novel coronavirus, parvoviruses, picornaviruses, picobirnaviruses, anelloviruses, and CRESS-DNA viruses. Furthermore, we detected evidence of cross-species transmission and identified viruses with zoonotic potential, such as picobirnaviruses and picornaviruses. These findings highlight the significant public health risks posed by migratory birds and provide new insights into the viral diversity within these populations, contributing to a better understanding of their role in viral evolution and transmission. IMPORTANCE Understanding the diversity of enteroviruses in Siberian cranes and geese is essential for biodiversity conservation and ecosystem stability. As migratory birds, these species play key roles in ecological networks while carrying intestinal viruses that may spread along migration routes, which could pose potential risks to wildlife, poultry, and human health. This study systematically analyzed enterovirus diversity and the genetic characteristics of novel viruses in wintering Siberian cranes and geese at Poyang Lake using metagenomic sequencing. We identified viral sequences distantly related to known viruses and those with potential cross-species transmission risks. These findings highlight the diversity of migratory bird viruses and their public health implications, providing data to evaluate transmission risks and monitor emerging threats, supporting strategies for wildlife conservation and disease prevention. Understanding the diversity of enteroviruses in Siberian cranes and geese is essential for biodiversity conservation and ecosystem stability. As migratory birds, these species play key roles in ecological networks while carrying intestinal viruses that may spread along migration routes, which could pose potential risks to wildlife, poultry, and human health. This study systematically analyzed enterovirus diversity and the genetic characteristics of novel viruses in wintering Siberian cranes and geese at Poyang Lake using metagenomic sequencing. We identified viral sequences distantly related to known viruses and those with potential cross-species transmission risks. These findings highlight the diversity of migratory bird viruses and their public health implications, providing data to evaluate transmission risks and monitor emerging threats, supporting strategies for wildlife conservation and disease prevention.

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