Abstract
To identify environmental sites commonly contaminated by avian influenza virus A (H5N1) in live-bird markets in Indonesia we investigated 83 markets in 3 provinces in Indonesia At each market samples were collected from up to 27 poultry-related sites to assess the extent of contamination Samples were tested by using real-time reverse transcription PCR and virus isolation A questionnaire was used to ascertain types of birds in the market general infrastructure and work practices Thirty-nine (47%) markets showed contamination with avian influenza virus in >= 1 of the sites sampled Risk factors were slaughtering birds in the market and being located in West Java province Protective factors included daily removal of waste and zoning that segregated poultry-related work flow areas These results can aid in the design of evidence-based programs concerning environmental sanitation food safety and surveillance to reduce the risk for avian influenza virus A (H5N1) transmission in live-bird markets