Insights into Genomic Epidemiology, Evolution, and Transmission Dynamics of Genotype VII of Class II Newcastle Disease Virus in China

Newcastle disease virus (NDV) is distributed worldwide and has caused significant losses to the poultry industry. Almost all virulent NDV strains belong to class II, among which genotype VII is the predominant genotype in China. However, the molecular evolution and phylodynamics of class II genotype VII NDV strains in China remained largely unknown. In this study, we identified 13 virulent NDV including 11 genotype VII strains and 2 genotype IX strains, from clinical samples during 1997 to 2019. Combined NDV sequences submitted to GenBank, we investigate evolution, and transmission dynamics of class II NDVs in China, especially genotype VII strains. Our results revealed that East and South China have the most genotypic diversity of class II NDV, and East China might be the origin of genotype VII NDVs in China. In addition, genotype VII NDVs in China are presumably transmitted by chickens, as the virus was most prevalent in chickens. Furthermore, codon usage analysis revealed that the F genes of genotype VII NDVs have stronger adaptation in chickens, and six amino acids in this gene are found under positive selection via selection model analysis. Collectively, our results revealed the genetic diversity and evolutionary dynamics of genotype VII NDVs in China, providing important insights into the epidemiology of these viruses in China.