Summary
This cross-sectional serosurvey of backyard poultry in Lahore district, Pakistan (July–August 2009) found high overall seroprevalence of avian influenza viruses (65.2%), driven predominantly by H9 subtype (62.0%), whilst H7 was absent and H5 was uncommon (6.9%). Birds sourced from multiple origins—market purchase or gifts from social networks and NGOs—were 5.7 times more likely to be seropositive, highlighting trade and informal exchange as key epidemiological pathways. The findings underscore the need for continuous surveillance of backyard poultry systems in Pakistan to mitigate AIV risk.
UK applicability
Whilst backyard poultry systems predominate in Pakistan's rural context, UK poultry production is primarily intensive and regulated. However, the study's findings on transmission via informal bird sourcing networks may inform biosecurity policy for the small UK hobby poultry sector and trade-related surveillance protocols.
Key measures
Seroprevalence of AIV subtypes H5, H7, and H9 (measured by haemagglutination inhibition test); flock size; poultry purpose; rearing system; source of birds; odds ratios for exposure to multiple bird sources
Outcomes reported
The study estimated seroprevalence of avian influenza viruses (H5, H7, H9) in backyard poultry flocks and identified associated risk factors through serological testing. Overall weighted seroprevalence for AIVs was 65.2%, with H9 at 62.0%, H5 at 6.9%, and H7 at 0%.
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