This review provides an overview of the global distribution and prevalence of avian infectious bronchitis virus (AIBV) across continents. AIBV is a positive-sense, single-stranded, enveloped RNA virus that causes significant economic losses in the poultry industry due to its highly contagious respiratory disease. The virus spreads through contact, contaminated equipment, aerosols, and personal-to-person contact. The study highlights the prevalence and geographic distribution of nine genotypes of AIBV, as well as their symptoms and economic impact. Phylogenetic analysis using Molecular Evolutionary Genetics Analysis (MEGA-6) provided insights into the global molecular diversity and evolution of AIBV strains. The review indicates that AIBV genotype I (GI) is widespread, while GII is a European strain that spread throughout Europe and South America. GIII and GV are predominant in Australia, with few reports from Asia. GIV, GVIII, and GIX originate from North America. GIV circulates in Asia, and GVII is found in Europe and China. The GVI-1 lineage is thought to be restricted to Asia. Despite immunization and biosecurity measures, AIBV continues to emerge in commercial chicken flocks due to the introduction of new variants and inadequate cross-protection from available vaccines. This review emphasizes the need for improved disease prevention and management strategies. The study also discusses the genetic diversity of AIBV, the role of recombination and mutation in its evolution, and the impact of host immune response and infection route on tissue tropism. The review highlights the importance of understanding the genetic and epidemiological characteristics of AIBV to develop effective control measures. The study provides a comprehensive overview of the global distribution and prevalence of AIBV across continents, with a focus on the genetic diversity and evolution of the virus. The review also discusses the impact of AIBV on poultry production and the need for improved disease prevention and management strategies. The study concludes that AIBV remains a significant threat to the poultry industry, and further research is needed to develop effective control measures.This review provides an overview of the global distribution and prevalence of avian infectious bronchitis virus (AIBV) across continents. AIBV is a positive-sense, single-stranded, enveloped RNA virus that causes significant economic losses in the poultry industry due to its highly contagious respiratory disease. The virus spreads through contact, contaminated equipment, aerosols, and personal-to-person contact. The study highlights the prevalence and geographic distribution of nine genotypes of AIBV, as well as their symptoms and economic impact. Phylogenetic analysis using Molecular Evolutionary Genetics Analysis (MEGA-6) provided insights into the global molecular diversity and evolution of AIBV strains. The review indicates that AIBV genotype I (GI) is widespread, while GII is a European strain that spread throughout Europe and South America. GIII and GV are predominant in Australia, with few reports from Asia. GIV, GVIII, and GIX originate from North America. GIV circulates in Asia, and GVII is found in Europe and China. The GVI-1 lineage is thought to be restricted to Asia. Despite immunization and biosecurity measures, AIBV continues to emerge in commercial chicken flocks due to the introduction of new variants and inadequate cross-protection from available vaccines. This review emphasizes the need for improved disease prevention and management strategies. The study also discusses the genetic diversity of AIBV, the role of recombination and mutation in its evolution, and the impact of host immune response and infection route on tissue tropism. The review highlights the importance of understanding the genetic and epidemiological characteristics of AIBV to develop effective control measures. The study provides a comprehensive overview of the global distribution and prevalence of AIBV across continents, with a focus on the genetic diversity and evolution of the virus. The review also discusses the impact of AIBV on poultry production and the need for improved disease prevention and management strategies. The study concludes that AIBV remains a significant threat to the poultry industry, and further research is needed to develop effective control measures.