Distribution of avian influenza viruses according to environmental surveillance during 2014–2018, China

Abstract Background Recurrent infections of animal hosts with avian influenza viruses (AIVs) have posted a persistent threat. It is very important to understand the virus distribution and characteristics in environment associated poultry wild bird. The aim this study was analyze geographic seasonal distributions AIVs 31 provinces, municipalities autonomous region (PMA) China, compare prevalence different collecting sites sampling types, diversity subtypes environment. Methods A total 742 005 environmental samples were collected from related birds locations mainland China during 2014–2018. Viral RNA extracted samples. Real-time RT-PCR assays for A, H5, H7 H9 performed on all identify virus. nucleic acid A-positive inoculated into embryonated chicken eggs isolation. Whole-genome sequencing then Illumina platform. SPSS software used paired t test statistical analysis. ArcGIS drawing map. Graphpad Prism make graph. Results positivity rate displayed distribution. rates particularly high (25.96%–45.51%) eleven provinces covered Central, Eastern, Southern, Southwest Northwest China. H5 significantly (11.42%–13.79%) two one municipality Central up 4% five Eastern higher (13.07%–2.07%) PMA showed same seasonality. highest H7, detected December January lowest May September. Significant live markets (LPM) (30.42%, 5.59%, 4.26%, 17.78%) slaughterhouses (22.96%, 4.2%, 2.08%, 12.63%). Environmental that sewage chopping boards had (36.58% 33.1%), (10.22% 7.29%), H7(4.24% 5.69%)and H9(21.62% 18.75%). Multiple including nine hemagglutinin (HA) seven neuraminidase (NA) isolated form accounted majority Conclusions In study, we found distribution, seasonality, location, proved multiple continuously coexisted bird, highlighted need surveillance Graphic