Abstract
We assessed the effect of closing live poultry markets in China on influenza A(H7N9) virus detection and viability. Intensive sampling was carried out before, during, and after a 2-week citywide market closure; the markets were cleaned and disinfected at the beginning of the closure period. Swab samples were collected at different sites within the markets and tested for H7N9 by real-time reverse transcription PCR and culture. During the closure, H7N9 viral RNA detection and isolation rates in retail markets decreased by 79% (95% CI 64%-88%) and 92% (95% CI 58%-98%), respectively. However, viable H7N9 virus could be cultured from wastewater samples collected up to 2 days after the market closure began. Our findings indicates that poultry workers and the general population are constantly exposed to H7N9 virus at these markets and that market closure and disinfection rapidly reduces the amount of viable virus.
Highlights
We assessed the effect of closing live poultry markets in China on influenza A(H7N9) virus detection and viability
Testing showed a moderate decrease in the rates of detection of H7N9 virus and other avian influenza viruses (AIV) by reverse transcription PCR (rRT-PCR) in each live poultry markets (LPMs) after disinfection (Figure 2)
Site-matched testing showed the detection rates for H7N9 virus and for all AIVs were significantly higher for retail LPMs than for wholesale LPMs (p = 0.003 and p = 0.032, respectively)
Summary
We assessed the effect of closing live poultry markets in China on influenza A(H7N9) virus detection and viability. On April 1, 2013, Guangzhou, the capital of Guangdong Province in southern China, implemented surveillance for avian influenza viruses (AIV) in 144 LPMs, in parallel with strengthened surveillance in humans [5]. Measures included interventions such as daily cleaning, disinfection, and monthly rest days during which poultry were cleared from the markets. Before H7N9 virus infections were identified in humans or poultry in Guangdong Province, the interventions reduced detections of other AIVs by 34% in retail LPMs. The study protocol was reviewed and approved by the Research Ethics Committee of GZCDC
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