Knowledge, attitude and practice toward avian influenza A (H7N9) of alive poultry sellers in alive poultry markets in Pinghu, Zhejiang

Objective To understand the knowledge, attitude and practice toward avian influenza A (H7N9) of alive poultry sellers in alive poultry markets in Pinghu, Zhejiang province. Methods A face to face questionnaire survey was conducted among the poultry sellers in alive poultry markets in Pinghu. Results A total of 47 alive poultry sellers were surveyed. All of them knew of avian influenza (H7N9), 25% of them were aware of the transmission routes of human infection with HN9 virus, 27.66% of them felt nervous when H7N9 virus epidemic occurred and 65.43% of them once took active protective measures. Daily washing, weekly sterilization and monthly closure were performed by 87.23% of the sellers. The difference between the supporting rate to temporary closure in the response of epidemic (72.34%) and the supporting rate to perpetual closure or selling slaughtered poultry (46.81%, 51.05%) were statistical significant (2=16.52,P0.01). Conclusion The knowledge, attitude and practice model toward avian influenza A (H7N9) has not been established in alive poultry sellers in Pinghu. It is essential to conduct targeted health education and strengthen the management of alive poultry markets.