Abstract
Since emerging in China in 2010, Duck Tembusu Virus (DTMUV) has caused substantial economic losses to the poultry industry. Guangdong province, a major hub for waterfowl farming and consumption in China, has been severely impacted by DTMUV. Investigating the epidemiology and genetic diversity of DTMUV in Guangdong is essential for developing effective prevention and control strategies. In this study, we collected 427 goose liver samples from five geographically distinct regions in Guangdong province. DTMUV RNA was detected in 69 samples, with positive rates ranging from 12.9 % to 18.6 % in the regions. Eight complete genome sequences were subsequently amplified, and genetic analyses revealed that these strains clustered into three distinct subclades (2.1.1, 2.2, and 3.2), indicating significant genetic heterogeneity among DTMUV circulating in Guangdong's goose populations. Furthermore, a statistically supported recombination event was identified in one strain, underscoring the role of genetic recombination in driving viral diversity. These findings enhance our understanding of DTMUV's genetic diversity and evolutionary dynamics in goose populations, thereby providing critical insights into its transmission patterns and evolutionary trends in Guangdong province, China.