The first report and biological characterization of Avian Orthoavulavirus 16 in wild migratory waterfowl and domestic poultry in China reveal a potential threat to birds

First confirmation of AOAV-16 in domestic and wild birds in China.AOAV-16 are low virulent viruses for chickens.Co-circulation/co-infection of AOAV-16 and H9N2 subtype AIV enhanced pathogenicity.Different intergenic sequences and recombination events exist within AOAV-16.