Avian Influenza Virus Detection Rates in Poultry and Environment at Live Poultry Markets, Guangdong, China.

We report the use of environmental samples to assess avian influenza virus activity in chickens at live poultry markets in China. Results of environmental and chicken samples correlate moderately well. However, collection of multiple environmental samples from holding, processing, and selling areas is recommended to detect viruses expected to have low prevalence.