Avian Influenza Risk : Characterization and Dynamics of Backyard Poultry Raising Systems in Five Asian Countries

The highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) virus H5N1 produces severe disease and high mortality in domestic poultry, waterfowl and other bird species. Public health authorities are concerned that this strain may mutate to became contagious between people. Throughout Southeast Asia and China, farmers raise poultry in small backyard flocks that scavenge around the farms and in the case of ducks in paddy fields. Ducks can carry the virus without showing clinical symptoms and it is suspected that some wild species may also form a reservoir of H5N1. The backyard poultry sector, where different species mix freely and come into direct contact with humans, therefore poses a particular risk. Governments in the region have adopted or are considering policies that call for restructuring or even eliminating the smallholder poultry sector, which could have a considerable impact on the livelihoods of poor farmers.

This grant will allow researchers in Cambodia, China, Indonesia, Thailand and Viet Nam to examine the backyard poultry sector in their respective countries and its role in rural livelihoods. The researchers will work with stakeholders to devise practical, equitable and sustainable options for reducing the likelihood of a human avian influenza pandemic.