The spatial structure of H5N1 avian influenza and its interaction with human ecology landscapes in Indonesia

Highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 virus consistently threatens global public health. A better understanding of the virus’ circulation mechanism is needed for future epidemic prevention. Previous studies have found connections between the presence of the virus and wild bird populations, domestic poultry productions and other socioeconomic factors. However, the influence imposed by cultural factors was not adequately studied. Using a dataset of 196 genetic sequences from H5N1 viruses found in Indonesia, this study explored how the virus is circulating across space and its interactions with other landscape factors, including cultural backgrounds, in the country. Correlation analysis found that there are direct connections between islands in terms of the viral circulation that likely involves wild bird migration. Barrier analysis found that various landscape factors have different impacts on the circulation pattern. Generally, a less variant cultural landscape may lead to a smoother change in genetic characteristics of the virus circulating in the area. Moreover, viruses found in large metropolitan areas tend to be different from those viruses in surrounding rural areas, this may be due to the direct interactions between these big cities through poultry transportations. Finally, physical barriers like mountains also impede the circulation of the viruses. These conclusions provided a meaningful understanding of the circulation mechanisms of H5N1 virus in Indonesia and pointed out the potential interactions between disease ecology and cultural landscapes for future exploration.