Avian influenza A(H7N9) virus found in more than half of wet markets in Guangdong...

It comes as no surprise to me, but is still a very welcome piece of data, that Guangzhou's ongoing live bird markets and concurrent continued cases of H7N9 in people, are also happening in a an environment of 60% of market stalls tested positive for the virus in April.

A report in the South China Morning Post noted 

"Upon conclusion of the trial on September 30, the city government proposes gradually extending the ban, covering chickens, ducks, geese and pigeons, to other parts of the metropolis. The ban is expected to be implemented citywide by 2024."

"Currently, it affects 298 live poultry stalls at 82 wet markets in Yuexiu district, and in parts of Tianhe, Liwan and Panyu districts, where vendors will sell centrally slaughtered chickens that will be provided by three designated suppliers."

This is welcome news and a positive step towards stopping not just H7N9, but a raft of other influenza viruses that jump to us from, and mix to create new virus within, birds.

Source...

1. http://www.scmp.com/news/china/article/1505389/guangzhou-begins-trial-ban-live-poultry