H3N8 subtype avian influenza virus originated from wild birds exhibited dual receptor-binding profiles.

• Three H3N8 subtype low pathogenic avian influenza viruses were isolated from wild birds in China during the ordinary surveillance. • The H3N8 from wild birds in the study clustered with two emerged human H3N8 viruses in 2022 in the same Eurasian avian lineage. • The H3N8 from wild birds in the study presented dual receptors preferences. • The H3N8 from wild birds in the study replicated well in mammalian model without prior adaption. We present the phylogeny, receptor binding property, growth in mammal cells and pathogenicity in mammal model of H3N8 viruses, which were isolated from wild birds in China. The human receptor preference and efficient replication in mice without prior adaption highlight that the H3N8 virus possesses the public threat potential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]