Scientists have found that the H7N9 flu virus in humans has a similar genetic sequence to that of H7N9 found in live poultry, the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS) said on April 23.

Studies carried out by the CAAS Harbin Veterinary Research Institute found that the H7N9 flu virus is a combination of genes from various viruses, a CAAS statement said.

Researchers collected 970 samples from live poultry markets and farms in Shanghai and Anhui Province. Twenty of the samples from the markets were positive and all samples from poultry farms were negative.