Effect of interventions on influenza A (H9N2) isolation in Hong Kong's live poultry markets, 1999-2005

Emerg Infect Dis. 2007 Sep;13(9):1340-7. doi: 10.3201/eid1309.061549.

Abstract

Live poultry markets (LPMs) are a recognized source of influenza viruses. Since 2001 and 2003, respectively, a first and second monthly "rest-day" has been implemented in Hong Kong's LPMs, when stalls are cleared of unsold poultry and disinfected. We assessed the incremental effectiveness of each rest-day and the banning of live quail sales in 2002 in reducing (H9N2) subtype isolation rates for chickens and minor poultry, by using a multivariable Poisson generalized linear model. There was a 58% reduction (p = 0.001) in virus isolation after 1 monthly rest-day in minor poultry compared with 27% (p = 0.22) in chickens. Combining 1 rest-day with the removal of quails further reduced virus isolation in chickens but not in minor poultry. However, an additional rest-day each month did not appear to affect isolation rates for either species.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Feces / virology
  • Hong Kong
  • Hygiene
  • Influenza A Virus, H9N2 Subtype / isolation & purification*
  • Influenza in Birds / prevention & control
  • Influenza in Birds / virology
  • Poultry / virology*
  • Quail
  • Time Factors