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Live poultry exposure, Guangzhou, China, 2006
Qiuyan Liao1, Wing Tak Lam, Gabriel M Leung
1Health and Health Care Behaviour Research Group, School of Public Health, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong.
Epidemics
|March 1, 2011
Summary
Guangzhou residents face significant H5N1 avian influenza risk due to frequent live poultry exposure in wet markets and homes. Improved poultry management is crucial for public health safety.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
- Infectious Disease Control
Background:
- Live poultry markets and backyard farming are recognized H5N1 avian influenza exposure sources.
- The specific risk magnitude from these exposures in China remained unquantified.
- Self-reported behaviors were utilized to estimate human exposure levels.
Purpose of the Study:
- To estimate the level of human exposure to live poultry in Guangzhou, China.
- To assess the risk of H5N1 avian influenza transmission from poultry-related activities.
- To compare exposure levels in Guangzhou with those in Hong Kong.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study involving 1550 face-to-face interviews in Guangzhou, China (January-March 2006).
- Data collection focused on self-reported live poultry purchasing and handling behaviors.
- Exposure data were standardized, adjusted, and extrapolated to the urban population.
Main Results:
- 80% of respondents reported annual live chicken purchases, averaging 20.5 per household.
- 33% of purchasers touched poultry before buying, and 20% of households engaged in backyard poultry rearing.
- Guangzhou's total poultry exposure significantly exceeded Hong Kong's, with backyard exposure being frequent and purchases prevalent.
Conclusions:
- The Guangzhou population is at considerable risk from high H5N1 avian influenza exposure rates.
- Both live poultry purchasing and backyard rearing contribute significantly to this risk.
- Enhanced management strategies for poultry handling and sales are essential in Guangzhou.
