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Pathogens (Basel, Switzerland)2023; 12(9); 1106; doi: 10.3390/pathogens12091106

Evaluating Trends in Strangles Outbreaks Using Temperature and Precipitation Data in the United States of America for 2018-2022.

Abstract: Strangles is a highly contagious upper respiratory infection of equids that is globally distributed. The causative agent of strangles, subspecies , can be spread through indirect contact with infected fomites, and studies have shown this microbe to live well in varying environmental conditions. The purpose of this study was to analyze strangles case numbers across the United States of America from 2018 to 2022 to investigate potential temporal or weather patterns associated with outbreaks. Diagnosed case records were obtained from the Equine Disease Communication Center, university databases, government agencies, or veterinary diagnostic labs, and geographic information systems (GISs) were used to map cases and to acquire relevant meteorological data from outbreak areas. These data were analyzed using logistic regression to explore trends that occur between outbreaks and changes in temperature and precipitation. Initial review of weather data suggested monthly changes in strangles case numbers corresponded with changing seasons. Logistic regression indicated that changes in monthly average temperature and minimum temperature were significantly associated with increased or decreased odds of strangles outbreaks, respectively. Future analyses should focus on weather data isolated within a smaller region or state to better resolve trends in strangles outbreaks throughout the continental USA.
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Publication Date: 2023-08-29 PubMed ID: 37764914PubMed Central: PMC10535521DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12091106Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

This research article investigates potential links between weather patterns and outbreaks of strangles, an upper respiratory infection in horses, in the United States from 2018 to 2022. The study found suggestive correlations between changes in seasonal temperatures and the occurrences of strangles incidents.

Methodology

  • The research team gathered data on diagnosed cases of strangles across the United States from different sources, namely the Equine Disease Communication Center, different university databases, government agencies, and veterinary diagnostic laboratories.
  • The researchers used Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to map these cases and to generate relevant weather data of the areas where outbreaks took place.
  • The team carried out an analysis of this data using logistic regression to identify any noticeable trends between outbreaks and fluctuations in temperature and rainfall.

Findings

  • Following an initial review of the collected weather data, the researchers noted a potential correlation between changes in strangles’ cases and the alteration of weather seasons.
  • The logistic regression analysis indicated that changes in monthly average and minimum temperatures were significantly associated with either an increase or decrease in the odds of strangles outbreaks, respectively.

Conclusions and Future Directions

  • Based on the findings, the researchers suggest that future analyses should be focused on specific, smaller regions or states. It was suggested that this would provide clearer trends on strangles outbreaks throughout the United States. Moreover, considering weather data in a narrower geographical scale could allow better control for potential confounding factors and offer stronger evidence of a direct relationship between environmental conditions and strangles outbreaks.
  • In conclusion, while this study provides initial evidence of a link between changing weather conditions and strangles outbreaks, further research focusing on more localized regions is required for definitive conclusions.

Cite This Article

APA
Thomas BA, Saylor RK, Taylor ZP, Rhodes DVL. (2023). Evaluating Trends in Strangles Outbreaks Using Temperature and Precipitation Data in the United States of America for 2018-2022. Pathogens, 12(9), 1106. https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens12091106

Publication

Pathogens (Basel, Switzerland)
ISSN: 2076-0817
NlmUniqueID: 101596317
Country: Switzerland
Language: English
Volume: 12
Issue: 9
PII: 1106

Researcher Affiliations

Thomas, Bryce A
  • Department of Biology, Berry College, Mount Berry, GA 30149, USA.
Saylor, Ryan K
  • Department of Biology, Berry College, Mount Berry, GA 30149, USA.
Taylor, Zachary P
  • Department of Environmental Science and Studies, Berry College, Mount Berry, GA 30149, USA.
Rhodes, DeLacy V L
  • Department of Biology, Berry College, Mount Berry, GA 30149, USA.

Conflict of Interest Statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

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