Avian influenza A(H5) virus circulation in live bird markets in Vietnam,
2017–2022
Abstract
Background: Highly pathogenic avian influenza A(H5) human infections are
a global concern, with many A(H5) human cases detected in Vietnam,
including a case in October 2022. Using avian influenza virus
surveillance from March 2017‒September 2022, we described the percent of
pooled samples that were positive for avian influenza A, A(H5), A(H5N1),
A(H5N6), and A(H5N8) viruses in live bird markets in Vietnam. Methods:
Monthly at each LBM, 30 poultry oropharyngeal swab specimens and five
environmental samples were collected. Samples were pooled in groups of
five and tested for influenza A, A(H5), A(H5N1), A(H5N6), and A(H5N8)
viruses by real-time reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction.
Trends in the percent of pooled samples that were positive for avian
influenza were summarized by LBM characteristics and time and compared
to the number of passively detected avian influenza outbreaks using
Spearman’s rank correlation. Results: A total of 25,774 pooled samples
were collected through active surveillance at 167 LBMs in 24 provinces;
36.9% of pooled samples were positive for influenza A, 3.6% A(H5),
1.9% A(H5N1), 1.1% A(H5N6), and 0.2% A(H5N8). Influenza A(H5) viruses
were identified January–December and at least once in 91.7% of sampled
provinces. In 246 A(H5) outbreaks in poultry; 20.3% were influenza
A(H5N1), 60.2% A(H5N6), and 19.5% A(H5N8); outbreaks did not correlate
with active surveillance. Conclusions: In Vietnam, influenza A(H5)
viruses were detected by active surveillance in LBMs year-round and in
most provinces sampled. In addition to outbreak reporting, active
surveillance for A(H5) viruses in settings with high potential for
animal-to-human spillover can provide situational awareness.