A successful pilot program, focusing on an innovative approach to running poultry markets, could vastly reduce the risk of bird flu, according to a leading specialist.

Poultry markets have been identified as critical risk points for the spread of bird flu viruses, such as H5N1, H7N9 and other emerging infectious diseases, said John Edwards, senior technical coordinator with the Emergency Center for Transboundary Animal Diseases China office.

The office is under the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.