Summary
This cross-sectional serosurvey of backyard poultry flocks in Lahore district, Pakistan (July–August 2009) detected high overall seroprevalence of avian influenza viruses (65.2%), driven primarily by H9 subtype (62.0%), whilst H5 showed lower prevalence (6.9%) and H7 was absent. Birds sourced from markets or received as gifts from friends or non-governmental organisations were 5.7 times more likely to be seropositive than those from closed populations, indicating that live-bird trade and informal acquisition pathways are key transmission routes. The authors recommend continuous surveillance of backyard poultry to mitigate AIV risk in Pakistan, where rural poultry represents over half the national population.
UK applicability
This study is of limited direct applicability to UK poultry systems, which are predominantly intensive and subject to strict biosecurity and surveillance protocols. However, the findings highlight the epidemiological risks of informal and market-based sourcing of birds, which may inform UK policy on import controls and surveillance of non-commercial poultry holdings.
Key measures
Weighted seroprevalence for AIVs overall (65.2%, 95% CI: 55.6–74.8%); H5 subtype (6.9%, 95% CI: 10.8–23.0%); H7 subtype (0%, 95% CI: 0–1.7%); H9 subtype (62.0%, 95% CI: 52.2–71.8%); odds ratio for AI seropositivity by bird sourcing (OR 5.7, 95% CI: 2.5–18.7)
Outcomes reported
The study measured seroprevalence of avian influenza virus (AIV) subtypes H5, H7, and H9 in backyard chicken flocks using haemagglutination inhibition testing. It identified associated risk factors, particularly the sourcing of birds from markets, gifts, or non-governmental organisations.
Topic tags
Dig deeper with Pulse AI.
Pulse AI has read the whole catalogue. Ask about this record, its theme, or how the findings apply to UK farming and policy — every answer cites the underlying studies.