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Two epidemic waves of an avian influenza A (H7N9) virus have so far affected China. Most human cases have been attributable to poultry exposure at live-poultry markets, where most positive isolates were sampled. The potential geographic extent of potential re-emerging epidemics is unknown, as are the factors associated with it. Using newly assembled data sets of the locations of 8,943 live-poultry markets in China and maps of environmental correlates, we develop a statistical model that accurately predicts the risk of H7N9 market infection across Asia. Local density of live-poultry markets is the most important predictor of H7N9 infection risk in markets, underscoring their key role in the spatial epidemiology of H7N9, alongside other poultry, land cover and anthropogenic predictor variables. Identification of areas in Asia with high suitability for H7N9 infection enhances our capacity to target biosurveillance and control, helping to restrict the spread of this important disease.

Original publication

DOI

10.1038/ncomms5116

Type

Journal article

Journal

Nature Communications

Publisher

Nature Publishing Group: Nature Communications

Publication Date

17/06/2014

Volume

5

Addresses

1] Biological Control and Spatial Ecology, Université Libre de Bruxelles, av FD Roosevelt 50, B-1050 Brussels, Belgium [2] Fonds National de la Recherche Scientifique, rue d'Egmont 5, B-1000 Brussels, Belgium.

Keywords

Animals, Poultry, Humans, Zoonoses, Models, Statistical, Risk Assessment, Regression Analysis, Geography, Commerce, Food Supply, Asia, Influenza, Human, Influenza in Birds, Biosurveillance, Influenza A Virus, H7N9 Subtype