Chinese Researchers Pinpoint Origins Of H7N9 Avian Flu

Chinese researchers have identified the origins of the novel H7N9 influenza virus

asianscientist.com - April 29, 2013

In March 2013, a novel H7N9 influenza virus was identified in China as the source of a flu-like disease in humans. A group of scientists, led by Professor Chen Hualan of the National Avian Influenza Reference Laboratory at the Harbin Veterinary Research Institute, investigated the origins of this novel H7N9 influenza virus.

“We suggest that strong measures, such as continued surveillance of avian and human hosts, control of animal movement, shutdown of live poultry markets, and culling of poultry in affected areas, should be taken during this initial stage of virus prevalence to prevent a possible pandemic. Additionally, it is also imperative to evaluate the pathogenicity and transmissibility of these H7N9 viruses, and to develop effective vaccines and antiviral drugs against so as to reduce their adverse effects upon human health,” say the authors.

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Isolation and characterization of H7N9 viruses from live poultry markets—Implication of the source of current H7N9 infection in humans
http://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11434-013-5873-4