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Southeast Asia has the highest density of live and wet markets (LWMs) globally. At those markets, live animals as well as other produce are sold. This presents the risk of close interactions between animals and humans and therefore zoonotic transmission. Avian influenza viruses (AIVs) are often associated with LWMs. Their natural hosts are waterfowls, however, they can also transmit to other birds, including domesticated ones. Coronaviruses (CoVs), found across a number of animal species, are also of interest to human health. Both AIVs as well as coronaviruses have caused several outbreaks and even pandemics2,3. For this reason, it is of utmost importance for global human health to monitor these viruses and try to proactively prevent future outbreaks instead of only reacting to emerging epidemics. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and the risk of AIVs and CoVs at LWMs in Laos. 22 markets were visited, and 266 specimens were taken. These were then analyzed for the presence of viral RNA with different RT-qPCRs. The hemagglutinin subtype of a subset of positive AIVs samples was then determined. Additionally, a disease risk knowledge questionnaire was conducted. The highest prevalence of AIVs was found in live ducks (72%) and at small markets (54%). CoVs were most prevalent in live chickens (13%) and at medium-sized markets (15%). The questionnaire revealed that the level of formal education affects the awareness of diseases greatly. LWMs therefore pose a health risk to humans and preventative measures should be implemented to reduce the risk of emerging zoonoses.