Distribución espacio-temporal de aves acuáticas de la familia Laridae en un humedal costero sudamericano / Spatio-temporal distribution of aquatic birds of the family Laridae in a South American coastal wetland

Resumen Introducción: El humedal costero Poza de La Arenilla (HCPA), Callao, Perú, es un hábitat importante para el descanso y reposo de aves acuáticas, entre ellas la familia Laridae. Sin embargo, el humedal está sufriendo una degradación crítica debido al desarrollo de actividades antropogénicas. Objetivo: Evaluar la distribución espacio-temporal de las aves acuáticas de la familia Laridae reportadas en HCPA según la temporada del año entre 2013 y 2018. Métodos: Se realizaron muestreos quincenales en 11 zonas delimitadas de HCPA de enero 2013 a diciembre 2018, durante la mañana y la tarde, mediante el método de recuento total. Resultados: Se registraron 12 especies de la familia Laridae. Leucophaeus pipixcan fue la especie de mayor dominancia en la mayoría de las zonas estudiadas y su presencia se destaca en verano y primavera. Las especies con mayor distribución en el humedal son L. pipixcan, Larus dominicanus y Larus belcheri, que se registraron en todas las zonas estudiadas. La mayor abundancia total promedio de especies se registró en verano y la menor en invierno. Se observó un aumento gradual de la abundancia promedio de aves, siendo estos aumentos notables entre primavera y verano de un año a otro. Además, se observó una disminución de la riqueza global de los láridos durante el periodo evaluado. Se observó un patrón de variación estacional del índice de diversidad de Shannon-Weaver (H') similar de un año a otro, debido a que los láridos son aves migratorias, y una tendencia a la disminución del índice con el paso del tiempo. Conclusiones: El HCPA desempeña un papel fundamental para la avifauna acuática de la región. Se ha registrado la presencia de cinco especies migratorias y siete residentes de esta familia, las cuales muestran preferencias espaciales en diferentes zonas del humedal. A pesar de que se observa una disminución en la riqueza global de las especies en el tiempo, la abundancia promedio de aves aumenta.

Abstract Introduction: The coastal wetland Poza de La Arenilla (HCPA), located in Callao (Peru), is an important resting and roosting habitat for aquatic birds, including the family Laridae. However, the wetland is suffering critical degradation due to the development of anthropogenic activities. Objective: To evaluate the spatiotemporal distribution of aquatic birds of the family Laridae reported at HCPA seasonally during the period 2013-2018. Methods: Biweekly sampling was carried out in 11 delimited zones in HCPA between January 2013 and December 2018, during morning and afternoon hours using the total count method. Results: A total of 12 species of Laridae birds were recorded. Leucophaeus pipixcan is the most dominant species in most of the studied zones and its presence is highlighted in summer and spring. The species with the greatest distribution in the wetland was L. pipixcan, Larus dominicanus, and Larus belcheri, which were reported in all the zones studied. The highest average total abundance of species was recorded in summer, while the lowest in winter. A gradual increase in the average abundance of aquatic birds was observed, with these increases being noticeable between the springs and summers from one year to the following. Also, overall richness of the larids was observed to decrease throughout the period evaluated. A similar seasonal variation pattern of the Shannon diversity index (H') was observed from one year to the following, due the fact that Laridae are migratory, and a tendency for the index to decrease with the passage of time. Conclusions: The HCPA plays a key role for the aquatic birds of the region. The presence of five migratory and seven resident species of Laridae has been recorded, which show spatial preferences in different areas of the wetland. Despite a decrease in overall species richness over time, the average abundance of Laridae birds is increasing.

Identification and phylogenetic analysis of five highly pathogenic avian influenza (H5N8) viruses isolated in Urumqi in 2016 / 中华微生物学和免疫学杂志

Objective:To analyze the genetic evolution and molecular characteristics of H5N8 avian influenza viruses (AIVs) isolated from the poultry in a live poultry market (LPM) in Urumqi, Xinjiang.Methods:Oropharyngeal and cloacal swabs of poultry were collected from a LPM in Urumqi in 2016. AIVs were isolated by inoculating swab samples into chicken embryos. Hemagglutination test and RT-PCR were used to identify the AIVs. The genes of isolated AIVs were amplified with the universal primers of AIV and whole-genome sequencing was also performed. Pairwise sequence alignment and analysis of phylogenetic and molecular characteristics were performed using BLAST, Clustal W, MEGA-X and DNAStar software.Results:Five H5N8 AIVs were isolated from poultry. These strains shared a nucleotide identity of 99.70%-100.00%, which indicated that they were from the same source, and were named XJ-H5N8/2016. Phylogenetic analysis based on hemagglutinin( HA), NS and PB2 genes showed that these isolates were clustered together with H5N8 AIVs isolated from the migratory swans in Hubei, Shanxi and Sanmenxia, and the ducks in India during 2016 to 2017. Moreover, they were also clustered together with H5N6 AIVs isolated from minks in China and the first case of human infection in Fujian. The phylogenetic tree of neuraminidase( NA) gene indicated the five isolates clustered together with H5N8 AIVs isolated from ducks in India in 2016, and the phylogenetic trees of PB1, MP, PA and NP genes showed that they were clustered together with H5N8 AIVs isolated from wild birds and poultry in Egypt, Cameroon, Uganda, Congo and other African countries in 2017. The HA cleavage sites of XJ-H5N8/2016 contained five consecutive basic amino acids, indicating high pathogenicity. Multiple mutations in the genes of XJ-H5N8/2016 could enhance its virulence and pathogenicity to mammals. Conclusions:The five strains of H5N8 AIVs isolated from the LPM were highly pathogenic and closely related to the H5N8 AIVs isolated from migratory birds and poultry in Hubei, Shanxi, Sanmenxia area, Africa and India during 2016 to 2017. Meanwhile, some of the viral genes were also closely related to the H5N6 AIVs isolated from the minks and human in China. Multiple mutations could increase the virulence and pathogenicity of AIVs to mammals, which could pose a potential threat to public health.

Behavioral aspects of waterbirds / Aspectos comportamentais de aves aquáticas

Abstract Estuaries are used by waterbirds as foraging, resting and nesting sites, serving also as shelter for migratory birds. The dynamics of this avifauna in an aquatic environment may be associated with the differences of time of day, tide height, temperature, wind speed and use of the site by different species. This study had the objective of evaluating behavioral aspects of aquatic birds, relating the influence of environmental variables with their activities. Bird counts were performed at the mouth of two important rivers of the state of Santa Catarina, Brazil, during two-hour intervals throughout the day in monthly samplings between June (2015) and May (2016). A total of 44 species were recorded, ten of which were migratory. The most recorded behaviors were foraging and resting. The Kruskal-Wallis analysis indicated no significant difference in behavior between the sampling intervals. The Bray-Curtis similarity test resulted in three groups: 1) - species that foraged most of the time; 2) - species that rested most of the time; and 3) - same time in both activities. The Indicator Species Analysis showed that 17 species were associated with only one microhabitat and 15 species with more than one. The Canonical Correlation Analysis indicated that only tide height, temperature and rainfall variables were correlated with the behaviors performed and only the resting activity was positively correlated with all variables. This may be associated with thermoregulation and the ability of some species to stay in midlitoral at high tide. The results demonstrate that different waterbird species used the studied areas in different ways. Thus, the heterogeneity of microhabitats in an aquatic environment of extreme importance for the coexistence and maintenance of the diversity of waterbirds.

Resumo Estuários são utilizados por aves aquáticas como locais de forrageio, descanso e nidificação, servindo, também, como pontos de parada para aves migratórias. A dinâmica dessa avifauna em um ambiente pode estar associada a diferenças entre horários do dia, altura da maré, temperatura, velocidade do vento e uso do local. Esse trabalho teve o objetivo de avaliar aspectos comportamentais de aves aquáticas, relacionando a influência de variáveis ambientais com suas atividades. Amostragens mensais foram realizadas na foz de dois importantes rios do Estado de Santa Catarina, Brasil, entre junho de 2015 e maio de 2016, em intervalos de duas horas no decorrer do dia. Um total de 44 espécies foram registradas, dez das quais foram migratórias. Os comportamentos mais observados foram forrageio e descanso. A análise de Kruskall-Wallis não indicou diferenças significativas no comportamento entre os horários de amostragem. O teste de similaridade Bray-Curtis resultou em três agrupamentos: 1) - espécies que forragearam na maior parte do tempo; 2) - espécies que descansaram na maior parte do tempo; e 3) - mesma quantidade de tempo em ambas atividades. A Análise de Espécies Indicadoras mostrou que 17 espécies estiveram associadas com apenas um microhabitat e 15 espécies com mais de um. A Análise de Correlação Canônica indicou que apenas as variáveis maré, temperatura e precipitação foram significativamente correlacionadas com os comportamentos demonstrados e apenas a atividade de descanso foi positivamente correlacionada com as todas as variáveis. Isso pode estar associado com a termorregulação e com a habilidade de algumas espécies de permanecer no mediolitoral durante a maré cheia. Os resultados demonstram que diferentes espécies de aves aquáticas utilizaram as áreas estudadas de diferentes maneiras. Assim, a heterogeneidade de microhabitats em um ambiente aquático é de extrema importância para a coexistência e a manutenção da diversidade de aves.

Occurrence of endo and hemoparasites in Sporophila caerulescens captured in the eastern region of the state of Acre, Brazil / Ocorrência de endo e hemoparasitos em Sporophila caerulescens capturados na região leste do estado do Acre, Brasil

ABSTRACT: Wild animals are hosts and reservoirs to many infectious agents, often unknown to the Scientific Community, which leads to serious health implications for natural and domestic environments. We conducted this research with the objective of diagnosing the occurrence of parasites of medical and veterinary interest in "coleirinhos" captured in the eastern region of the state of Acre, Brazil. We captured the specimens in August and September of 2017 using ornithological nets at the margins of Caeté river. We visually inspected the birds to evaluate the ectoparasites. Subsequently, we collected blood through a brachial vein puncture and rested the individuals in a cloth bag for 30 minutes to collect feces, after which we released them. Results of the visual inspection to detect and identify the ectoparasites were negative. Blood samples revealed the protozoan Haemoproteus sp., and the feces revealed cysts of Entamoeba histolytica and E. coli, oocysts of coccidia and eggs of Davaineidae. Coccidia was the most prevalent (69.2%) and abundant (34.15%) parasite reported. Parasites diagnosed in this study can promote the emergence of secondary infections in S. caerulescens individuals or other animals that are contaminated with these etiological agents, since, when migrating through different biomes of South America, other animal species can come into contact with these agents.

RESUMO: Os animais silvestres são hospedeiros e reservatórios de vários agentes infecciosos, muitas vezes desconhecidos para a comunidade científica, o que leva a sérias implicações na saúde dos ambientes naturais e domésticos. Esta pesquisa teve como objetivo diagnosticar a ocorrência de parasitos de interesse médico e veterinário em "coleirinhos" capturados no leste do Estado do Acre, Brasil. Os espécimes foram capturados nos meses de agosto e setembro de 2017 em redes ornitológicas as margens do Rio Caeté. Para a pesquisa de ectoparasitos, as aves foram inspecionadas visualmente. Após a inspeção, o sangue foi coletado por meio de punção da veia braquial e para coletas das fezes os indivíduos foram postos em descanso em saco de pano por 30min e depois foram soltos na natureza. As fezes, quando presentes, foram coletadas e acondicionadas em recipientes de plástico estéreis. A inspeção visual dos espécimes para detectar e identificar ectoparasitos resultou negativo. Nas amostras sanguíneas foi identificado o protozoário Haemoproteus sp.. Nas fezes foram encontrados os seguintes endoparasitos: cisto de Entamoeba histolytica e E. coli, oocisto de coccídeos e ovos de Davaineidae. Coccideos foram os endoparasitos mais prevalentes (69,2%) e os mais abundantes (34,15%). Os parasitos diagnosticados neste estudo podem propiciar o aparecimento de infecções secundárias nos indivíduos de S. caerulescens ou em outros animais que venham se contaminar com esses agentes etiológicos, pois com a migração dos mesmos, por diferentes biomas da América do Sul outras espécies de animais podem se infectar com esses agentes.

Behavioral aspects of waterbirds

Abstract Estuaries are used by waterbirds as foraging, resting and nesting sites, serving also as shelter for migratory birds. The dynamics of this avifauna in an aquatic environment may be associated with the differences of time of day, tide height, temperature, wind speed and use of the site by different species. This study had the objective of evaluating behavioral aspects of aquatic birds, relating the influence of environmental variables with their activities. Bird counts were performed at the mouth of two important rivers of the state of Santa Catarina, Brazil, during two-hour intervals throughout the day in monthly samplings between June (2015) and May (2016). A total of 44 species were recorded, ten of which were migratory. The most recorded behaviors were foraging and resting. The Kruskal-Wallis analysis indicated no significant difference in behavior between the sampling intervals. The Bray-Curtis similarity test resulted in three groups: 1) - species that foraged most of the time; 2) - species that rested most of the time; and 3) - same time in both activities. The Indicator Species Analysis showed that 17 species were associated with only one microhabitat and 15 species with more than one. The Canonical Correlation Analysis indicated that only tide height, temperature and rainfall variables were correlated with the behaviors performed and only the resting activity was positively correlated with all variables. This may be associated with thermoregulation and the ability of some species to stay in midlitoral at high tide. The results demonstrate that different waterbird species used the studied areas in different ways. Thus, the heterogeneity of microhabitats in an aquatic environment of extreme importance for the coexistence and maintenance of the diversity of waterbirds.

Resumo Estuários são utilizados por aves aquáticas como locais de forrageio, descanso e nidificação, servindo, também, como pontos de parada para aves migratórias. A dinâmica dessa avifauna em um ambiente pode estar associada a diferenças entre horários do dia, altura da maré, temperatura, velocidade do vento e uso do local. Esse trabalho teve o objetivo de avaliar aspectos comportamentais de aves aquáticas, relacionando a influência de variáveis ambientais com suas atividades. Amostragens mensais foram realizadas na foz de dois importantes rios do Estado de Santa Catarina, Brasil, entre junho de 2015 e maio de 2016, em intervalos de duas horas no decorrer do dia. Um total de 44 espécies foram registradas, dez das quais foram migratórias. Os comportamentos mais observados foram forrageio e descanso. A análise de Kruskall-Wallis não indicou diferenças significativas no comportamento entre os horários de amostragem. O teste de similaridade Bray-Curtis resultou em três agrupamentos: 1) - espécies que forragearam na maior parte do tempo; 2) - espécies que descansaram na maior parte do tempo; e 3) - mesma quantidade de tempo em ambas atividades. A Análise de Espécies Indicadoras mostrou que 17 espécies estiveram associadas com apenas um microhabitat e 15 espécies com mais de um. A Análise de Correlação Canônica indicou que apenas as variáveis maré, temperatura e precipitação foram significativamente correlacionadas com os comportamentos demonstrados e apenas a atividade de descanso foi positivamente correlacionada com as todas as variáveis. Isso pode estar associado com a termorregulação e com a habilidade de algumas espécies de permanecer no mediolitoral durante a maré cheia. Os resultados demonstram que diferentes espécies de aves aquáticas utilizaram as áreas estudadas de diferentes maneiras. Assim, a heterogeneidade de microhabitats em um ambiente aquático é de extrema importância para a coexistência e a manutenção da diversidade de aves.

Discusiones sobre la presencia de aves rapaces, aves migratorias y aves bajo algún grado de amenaza en la ciudad de Pereira, Risaralda / Discussios aboutt the preence of birds of prey, migratory birds and birdds under some degree of threat in the city of pereira, risaralda

Artículo que presenta una discusión que busca justificar la presencia de aves silvestres dentro de la ciudad de Pereira, enfáticamente las especies de aves rapaces, migratorias o bajo algún grado de amenaza, buscando ampliar la discusión de resultados presentada en el artículo predecesor llamado "Revisión a la diversidad ornitológica de Pereira". Se registraron catorce(14) especies de aves rapaces (es decir pertenecientes a las familias Cathartidae, Pandionidae, Accipitridae y Falconidae) las cuales deben su presencia a que no dependen de bosque y pueden sobrevivir en zonas urbanas; veintiséis (26) especies migratorias de las cuales, a excepción de tres especies consideradas raras, todas son comunes o bastantes comunes y la mayoría frecuenta áreas abiertas; siete (7)especies bajo algún grado de amenaza(amenaza que se debe principalmente a la destrucción de su hábitat) consideradas de por sí como raras y locales y cuatro (4) especies endémicas de las cuales solo una es considerada como rara, todas las demás son comunes y dentro de la ciudad encuentran los diversos tipos de hábitat requeridos por estas especies. Se discute y concluye que en general las especies abordadas son de áreas abiertas o no dependen de bosques, tolerantes a ecosistemas intervenidos y/o presentan cierta plasticidad de nicho con sus necesidades de hábitat y son capaces de encontrar sus requerimientos ecológicos dentro de las zonas urbanas. Así mismo que la heterogeneidad de hábitats y la estructura de vegetación variada de las zonas urbanas contribuyen a su riqueza de especies.

The article presents a discussion that seeks to justify the presence of wild birds in the city of Pereira -emphatically birds of prey, migratory birds, or birds under some degree of threat- seeking to broaden the discussion of results presented in the previous article "Revision to Ornithological Diversity in Pereira." Fourteen (14) species of birds of prey (this is to say belonging to the families Cathartidae, Pandionidae, Accipitridae and Falconidae) which owe their presence to the fact that they do not depend on forests and can survive in urban areas; twenty-six (26) migratory species which, except for three species considered rare, all are common or fairly common and most frequent in open areas; seven (7) species under some degree of threat (threat mainly due to habitat destruction) considered as rare and local; and four (4) endemic species of which only one is considered rare; all others are common and within the city they find the different types of habitat they require. It is discussed and concluded that in general the species dealt with belong to open areas and do not depend on forests, are tolerant to intervened ecosystems and/or have some niche plasticity with their habitat needs and are able to find their ecological requirements in urban areas. Also that the habitat heterogeneity and the varied vegetation structure in urban areas contribute to the richness of species.

Severe Fever with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome Virus, Crimean-Congo Haemorrhagic Fever Virus, and Migratory Birds

Severe Fever with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome (SFTS) and Crimean-Congo Haemorrhagic Fever (CCHF) are tick-borne diseases belonging to the family Bunyaviridae. Since SFTS was first reported in China in 2009, the virus was isolated and confirmed in 2011, with additional reports of SFTSV expanding its geographic range from China to South Korea and Japan. CCHFV has the widest geographic distribution of any tick-borne virus, encompassing around 30 countries from eastern China through Asia, the Middle East, and southeastern Europe to Africa. During the past decade, CCHFV has emerged in new areas of Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and Asia and has increased in endemic areas. Migratory birds are considered to play a role in dispersing CCHFV vectors, and the virus. This review summarises SFTSV and CCHFV, highlighting the role of migratory birds in the transmission of tick-borne disease.

Molecular characterization of vanA-containing Enterococcus from migratory birds: song thrush (Turdus philomelos)

Vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) were detected in two faecal samples (1.3%) of song thrush in Portugal. vanA isolates showed high level vancomycin/teicoplanin resistance, as well as resistance to ciprofloxacin, quinupristin-dalfopristin and cloranfenicol. Thrush can be a reservoir of VRE and transmit these resistant bacteria to other animals including humans.

Variación temporal y espacial de aves playeras en la laguna Barra de Navidad, Jalisco, en tres temporadas no reproductivas / Temporal and spatial variation of shorebirds in Barra de Navidad lagoon, Jalisco, during three non-breeding seasons

Resident and migratory shorebirds inhabit different kinds of wetlands such as lagoons, rivers and seashores among others. In recent years, these areas have been importantly affected by urban, agriculture and touristic activities, such as the Barra de Navidad lagoon, for which little information is available to support conservation programs. The aim of this work was to describe shorebirds temporal and spatial distribution in Barra de Navidad lagoon during three non-breeding seasons (1999-2000, 2006-2007 and 2008-2009). For this, monthly censuses were performed from November-April with the purpose of registering all the shorebirds species. We were able to identify 19 shorebirds species (three residents and 16 winter visitors), of which Charadrius wilsonia, Limosa fedoa and Tringa semipalmata were the most abundant. The greater number of species was registered for November, December and March of the first and third seasons. The greater number of individuals was registered when birds were feeding during low tides, mainly in December, January and February of the first and third seasons. At low tide, there was a great number of species and individuals in zone C. This area had muddy substrates that were exposed during low tides and were used to feed. Barra de Navidad lagoon provided suitable habitats for feeding and resting for resident and migratory birds. Twelve of the 19 species were considered as priority within the Mexican bird conservation strategy. However, these habitats are threatened by human activities performed in the nearby areas of the lagoon that may have negative consequences for the distribution, abundance and conservation of these species.

Hay un escaso conocimiento de las aves playeras en los humedales costeros de Jalisco, y en particular en la laguna Barra de Navidad. El presente trabajo contribuye al conocimiento de este grupo de aves y describe su distribución temporal y espacial en la laguna Barra de Navidad durante tres temporadas no reproductivas (1999-2000, 2006-2007 y 2008-2009). Se realizaron censos mensuales de noviembre-abril en las tres temporadas con el fin de registrar todas las especies de aves playeras. Se identificaron 19 especies (tres residentes y 16 visitantes de invierno), de las cuales Charadrius wilsonia, Limosa fedoa y Tringa semipalmata presentaron la mayor abundancia. Doce especies son consideradas como prioritarias en la “Estrategia para la Conservación y Manejo de las Aves Playeras y su Hábitat en México”. El mayor número de especies fue registrado en noviembre, diciembre y marzo en la primera y tercera temporada. El mayor número de individuos fue registrado alimentándose en marea baja, principalmente en diciembre, enero y febrero de la primera y tercera temporada. En marea baja hubo un mayor número de especies e individuos alimentándose en la zona C. Esta zona se caracterizó por tener sustratos lodosos expuestos durante marea baja y que fueron aprovechados por las aves para alimentarse. La laguna Barra de Navidad proporcionó hábitats de alimentación y descanso para las aves residentes y migratorias. Sin embargo, estos hábitats se ven amenazados por las actividades humanas realizadas dentro de la laguna, que sin duda tendrán consecuencias negativas para la distribución y abundancia de las aves playeras.

Distribución de aves acuáticas en las lagunas de oxidación de la ciudad de La Paz, Baja California Sur, México

Distribution of aquatic birds in oxidation lagoons of La Paz city in South Baja California, Mexico. Taxonomic composition, spatial and temporal distribution of aquatic birds in oxidation lagoons (LO) of La Paz city in south Baja California, Mexico, were determined during 24 censuses realized in two-week intervals (April/98-March/99). There are five lagoons of 5 Ha each and 17 ha of terrains constantly flooded that serve as feeding areas for cattle and birds. One hundred twenty three species were observed, 75 of which were aquatic birds. A total of 46 041 observations were made (average 1 918 birds/census). Richness and abundance of aquatic birds were influenced mainly by migration of anatids and sandpipers. The first group had the greatest abundance due to its affinity towards fresh water bodies. The terrains were the favorite sites of dabbling ducks (Anas) and sandpipers. In contrast, two of the most abundant species (Oxyura jamaicensis, 12.5 % of all species, and Fulica americana, 8.8 %) restricted their presence to the oxidation lagoons. LO presented a bird structure of its own and atypical, according to the dryness of the region. Rev. Biol. Trop. 55 (2): 617-626. Epub 2007 June, 29.

Se determinó la composición taxonómica y la distribución espacial y temporal de aves acuáticas de las lagunas de oxidación (LO), de la ciudad de La Paz, Baja California Sur, México, durante 24 censos quincenales (abril/98marzo/99). Se trata de cinco lagunas, de cinco ha cada una y 17 ha de terrenos aledaños constantemente inundados que sirven como zona de alimentación para el ganado y las aves. Se observaron 123 especies de aves, de las cuales 75 fueron acuáticas. En total se realizaron 46 041 registros (promedio= 1 918 aves/censo). La riqueza y la abundancia estuvieron influenciadas por la migración, principalmente de anátidos y playeros, los primeros fueron el grupo más abundante, debido a su afinidad por cuerpos dulceacuícolas. Los terrenos aledaños fueron los preferidos por los patos vadeadores (Anas) y por los playeros. En contraste, dos de las especies más abundantes (Oxyura jamaicensis 12.5 % del total y Fulica americana 8.8 %), restringieron su presencia al espejo de agua. LO presentó un componente aviar propio y atípico, dada la aridez de la región.

The Transmission, Precautionary and Control of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in China / 中国比较医学杂志

This paper reported the history of avian flu outbreaks in China from 1996 to 2006, directed the characteristics of avian influenza outbreaks in recent years. China is one of the biggest poultry producers in the world and many migratory birds go through China, China faces high risk of pandemic bird flu. The continuing occurrence of sporadic human cases indicates that the virus is continuing to circulate in birds in some parts of the country. In the fighting again avian flu virus, China has developed some possible practice on precautionary and control measure. China enhances international cooperation and scientific involvement in the prevention and control of the avian flu. The State Council and Ministry of Agriculture issued the laws and regulations on avian flu. Wild birds may have played a role in getting domestic fowl and human beings infected with bird flu. Poultry manure is considered to be another key source of the spread routes of H5N1 virus, but the bio - security processing in free range poultry farming and waste products is very poor disposition in China. Epidemic control at grassroots level still needs to be strengthened.