Environmental Sampling for Avian Influenza Virus A (H5N1) in Live-Bird Markets, Indonesia

• Main Authors: Risa Indriani, Gina Samaan, Anita Gultom, Leo Loth, Sri Irianti, Rma Adjid, Ni Luh Putu Indi Dharmayanti, John Weaver, Elizabeth Mumford, Kamalini Lokuge, Paul M. Kelly
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 2010-12-01
• Series: Emerging Infectious Diseases
• Subjects: Avian influenza; influenza; H5N1; live bird markets; transmission; environment
• Online Access: https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/eid/article/16/12/10-0402_article

To identify environmental sites commonly contaminated by avian influenza virus A (H5N1) in live-bird markets in Indonesia, we investigated 83 markets in 3 provinces in Indonesia. At each market, samples were collected from up to 27 poultry-related sites to assess the extent of contamination. Samples were tested by using real-time reverse transcription–PCR and virus isolation. A questionnaire was used to ascertain types of birds in the market, general infrastructure, and work practices. Thirty-nine (47%) markets showed contamination with avian influenza virus in >1 of the sites sampled. Risk factors were slaughtering birds in the market and being located in West Java province. Protective factors included daily removal of waste and zoning that segregated poultry-related work flow areas. These results can aid in the design of evidence-based programs concerning environmental sanitation, food safety, and surveillance to reduce the risk for avian influenza virus A (H5N1) transmission in live-bird markets.