Avian Influenza H5N1 Surveillance in Geese of Qinghai Province, China (2012)

The aim of study was to detect H5N1 virus in wild geese in Qinghai Province in 2012. The work was provided according to WHO and OIE guidelines. In 2012, we collected 532 samples from wild geese of two species: Bar-headed Goose (Anser indicus) and Graylag Goose (Anser anser). We analyzed samples by chicken embryo inoculation and PCR. No avian influenza viruses were isolated. History of HPAI H5N1 shows obvious importance of Central Asian region in its spreading. The outbreaks of the H5N1 Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI H5N1) were reported in wild birds at the Qinghai Lake since 2005. This area seems to be key point for H5N1 avian influenza surveillance in wild birds. We did not find viruses although H5N1 cases in poultry were reported from 5 provinces of China in 2012. Annual surveillance is required for early AIV detection in this region.