Avian Influenza and Coronavirus Prevalence in Laotian Live Animal Markets

266 oropharyngeal swab and environmental samples from 20 live animal and wet markets in Laos were screened for viruses in 2023. The study, authored by Patrick Höller, found a 72% prevalence of avian influenza in live ducks and identified the high pathogenicity H5N1 strain.

Use Cases

• Analyze virus prevalence rates by animal host (e.g., live ducks vs. chickens) and sample type (e.g., air samples).
• Study the genetic characterization data for the H5N1 strain (clade 2.3.2.1e).
• Correlate questionnaire data on vendor/shopper knowledge with observed viral prevalence at market sites.
• Compare environmental contamination (air samples showing 38% AIV) with direct animal swab results.

Strengths

• Data from 266 samples provides a basis for prevalence analysis.
• Covers 20 distinct market sites in a capital region.
• Includes multiple sample types: animal swabs, environmental, and air.

Limitations

• The 137.6 KB file size suggests the data is a summary report, not a raw dataset, limiting direct analysis.
• Sample size of 266 is modest for detailed subgroup or spatial analysis.
• Findings are specific to a single year (2023) and region in Laos, limiting generalizability.

Provenance

Source

Patrick Höller, via figshare.

Collection Method

Sample collection via oropharyngeal swabs from animals and environmental/air sampling, combined with vendor/shopper questionnaires.

Time Range

2023

Freshness

Data was collected in 2023; the record was last updated in April 2026.

Geography

20 live animal and wet markets in the capital region of Laos.