Abstract:

【Abstract】 Objective  To investigate avian influenza virus infection status via surveillance over the external environment around Poyang Lake for providing scientific evidence with the local administration to plan strategies in prevention and control of this infection. Methods Natural administrative villages in counties adjacent to Poyang Lake areas were selected as sampling sites using random sampling method. Specimens colleted between September 2014 and March 2015 included faeces, drinking water and feathers of poultry as well as swabs of cages and eggs. Then the specimens were subjected to egg inoculation for detection of the viruses. Results  A total of 2 500 specimens were collected from the sampling sites between September 2014 and March 2015. Specimens collected in autumn seasons had higher positive rate than those obtained in spring(9.04% vs.3.96%), and the positive rate was also higher in specimens obtained from the live poultry markets than that of specimens collected from farmers in separate two seasons(41.80% and 26.33% vs. 3.96% and 9.09%). Swabs of the cages had higher positive rate (9.43%) than specimens obtained in other methods. Conclusion  Outbreak of avian influenza may be increased in winter and autumn seasons in areas adjacent to Poyang Lake, and surveillance should strengthened over the external environment and occupational population in high risks in these two seasons.

Key words: Avian influenza viruses, External environment, Surveillance, Poyang Lake