An epidemiological overview of the equine influenza epidemic in Great Britain during 2019.
Abstract: During 2019, an epidemic of equine influenza (EI) occurred in Europe. Objective: To describe the epidemiology of the 2019 EI epidemic within Great Britain (GB). Methods: Retrospective descriptive study of laboratory confirmed EI cases. Methods: Epidemiological data were obtained from veterinary surgeons referring samples for EI virus testing. Where available, data on confirmed cases and their wider resident population on EI-infected premises were collated and described. On a national level, spatial and temporal representations, consisting of choropleth maps and epidemic curves, described the spread of EI. EI-infected premises-level factors associated with the first of two epidemic phases were investigated using ordinary logistic regression analysis. Results: There were 412 confirmed cases and 234 EI-infected premises, with the first of two epidemic phases occurring between January and April, followed by a second phase through to August. The median age of confirmed cases was 5 years and Sports horses (24%) and Cobs (16%) made up the highest proportions by general horse type and breed. Among confirmed cases 72% were unvaccinated and 18% were vaccinated against EI. New horses arriving within 2 weeks of a confirmed case were reported by 42% of EI-infected premises. Investigation of EI-infected premises biosecurity measures indicated that 23% quarantined new arrivals, 37% had isolation facilities and 57% of resident horses were vaccinated. EI-infected premises were more likely in the first than second epidemic phase to be classified as professional, have a vaccinated confirmed case and EI confirmed in a newly arrived animal. Conclusions: Data were collected at a single time point for each EI-infected premises with no follow ups performed. Conclusions: During 2019, EI-infected premises generally had low levels of population vaccine coverage and implemented limited preventive biosecurity measures, particularly linked to horse movements. Without substantial improvements in infectious disease prevention and control, the GB equine population remains at risk of future EI epidemics.
© 2022 The Authors. Equine Veterinary Journal published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of EVJ Ltd.
Publication Date: 2022-08-31 PubMed ID: 36054725PubMed Central: PMC10087154DOI: 10.1111/evj.13874Google Scholar: Lookup
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- Journal Article
- Biosecurity
- Disease control
- Disease Management
- Disease Outbreaks
- Disease Prevention
- Disease Surveillance
- Epidemiology
- Equine Diseases
- Equine Health
- Horses
- Infectious Disease
- Influenza
- Population Dynamics
- Public Health
- Regression Analysis
- Retrospective Study
- Vaccination
- Veterinary Medicine
- Veterinary Research
- Veterinary Science
Summary
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The research examines the occurrence and spread of the 2019 equine influenza (EI) epidemic in Great Britain and the associated factors, including lack of vaccinations and preventive biosecurity measures.
Overview of the Research
- The study is a retrospective analysis of the equine influenza (EI) epidemic that hit Great Britain in 2019.
- Data used in the research was obtained from veterinary surgeons who submitted samples for EI virus testing. The investigators also collated information about confirmed cases and their local populations on infected premises.
- The spatial and temporal spread of the disease was analyzed, and the risk factors linked to EI-infected premises were evaluated using logistic regression analysis.
Findings of the Study
- The research reveals there were a total of 412 confirmed cases on 234 EI-infected premises. Two epidemic phases were observed – the first from January to April and the second extended until August.
- The median age of confirmed cases was 5 years, with sports horses and cobs being the highest represented among general horse types and breed.
- Of these confirmed cases, 72% had not been vaccinated, and 18% were vaccinated against EI. Interestingly, new horses were reported to have arrived within two weeks of a confirmed case on 42% of the infected premises.
- The study disclosed significant information about the biosecurity measures, with merely 23% of the premises quarantining new arrivals, 37% having isolation facilities, and 57% of resident horses being vaccinated.
- The research also found that premises affected in the first phase of the epidemic were more likely to be classified as professional, have a vaccinated confirmed case, and were more likely to have EI confirmed in a newly arrived animal.
Conclusions of the Study
- The data in the study was collected only at single time points for each EI-infected premises, and no follow-up investigations were performed.
- From the findings, it is apparent that there was generally low population vaccine coverage during the 2019 EI epidemic, and there were only limited preventive biosecurity measures implemented- particularly linked to horse movements.
- Without significant improvements in measures to prevent and control infectious diseases, the study indicates that the equine population in Great Britain continues to face a substantial risk for future EI epidemics.
Cite This Article
APA
Whitlock F, Grewar J, Newton R.
(2022).
An epidemiological overview of the equine influenza epidemic in Great Britain during 2019.
Equine Vet J, 55(1), 153-164.
https://doi.org/10.1111/evj.13874 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
- jDATA Pty (Ltd), Hermanus, South Africa.
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
MeSH Terms
- Horses
- Animals
- Humans
- Influenza, Human / epidemiology
- Horse Diseases / prevention & control
- Retrospective Studies
- United Kingdom / epidemiology
- Orthomyxoviridae Infections / epidemiology
- Orthomyxoviridae Infections / veterinary
- Orthomyxoviridae Infections / prevention & control
- Influenza A Virus, H3N8 Subtype
- Disease Outbreaks / veterinary
Grant Funding
- Horserace Betting Levy Board
- Animal Health Trust
Conflict of Interest Statement
The authors declare no conflict of interest.
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