Sample Collection
Between 2013 and 2018, AIV surveillance according to the China CDC guidelines was conducted in Anhui province. Environmental samples from LPMs were collected, which included poultry drinking water, feces, wipes from the surfaces of cages and boards used for the slaughtering of birds. These samples were stored in a viral transport medium composed of 15 μg/mL amphotericin B, 100 units/mL penicillin G, 50 μl/mL streptomycin and 1% bovine serum albumin in Hank’s balanced salt solution (pH 7.4). Under refrigeration, these sample were transferred to the Laboratory of Influenza Surveillance immediately, where they were stored prior to further examination.