Open AccessIntercontinental genetic structure and gene flow in D unlin ( C alidris alpina ), a potential vector of avian influenza
Author(s) -
Miller Mark P.,
Haig Susan M.,
Mullins Thomas D.,
Ruan Luzhang,
Casler Bruce,
Dondua Alexei,
Gates H. River,
Johnson J. Matthew,
Kendall Steve,
Tomkovich Pavel S.,
Tracy Diane,
Valchuk Olga P.,
Lanctot Richard B.
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
evolutionary applications
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.776
H-Index - 68
ISSN - 1752-4571
DOI - 10.1111/eva.12239
Subject(s) - biology , charadriiformes , anseriformes , subspecies , waterfowl , influenza a virus subtype h5n1 , gene flow , outbreak , zoology , ecology , gene , genetics , genetic variation , virus , virology , habitat
Abstract 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 ( C alidris 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 whether 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 provide route for transmission of HPAI into other parts of North America.