(Photo :H7N9 virus in China)

Ducks are branded as the melting point of the notorious bird flu virus and humans probably contracted H7N9 virus through the chickens at live poultry markets, according to a fresh update by a group of researchers from the Shantou University Medical College.

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During the process of the study, scientists tried to map out the origin of the H7N9 virus and by thorough assessment of the similarities and differences of the samples of genetic codes acquired from different poultries like chickens, ducks, pigeons as well as fecal and water samples from the poultry market, they can determine hot the virus spread and how it evolved.

In was stated in the report, according to BBC, that domesticated ducks most probably acquired the viruses from migratory birds. With highest possibility, that led to the spread in chickens which resulted to the rapid dissemination on the virus to the live poultry market therefore making it the source of human infections.

Ever since China took control over live poultry markets, a decrease in the number of cases have been noted.

According to BBC, in the published report, researchers said that in order to absolutely manage the bird flu virus, reconsidering the supervision of live poultry markets in urban areas is mandatory.

They have also discovered a closely comparable bird flu virus branded as H7N7 that is most likely to infect mammals and they claimed that the H7 bird influenza group may cause threats greater than the existing occurrence.

In an interview with BBC, Dr. Peter Horby of the Oxford University Clinical Research Unit in Vietnam commented that microbial forensics play a very essential role in the discovery of where the novel avian flu viruses evolved and when it is combined with marketing systems and poultry study, strategies that can help reduce the risk of H7N9 virus spread and other avian flu viruses from evolving can be formulated.

The bird influenza H7N9 virus, though considered deadly, can be fought with knowledge that researchers feed us so keep your eyes open and, as always, try to be fit and healthy because nothing beats a good immune system.

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