Investigation of equine influenza transmission in NSW: walk, wind or wing?

This study investigates potential ways equine influenza could have spread in an outbreak in New South Wales in 2007. It particularly focuses on a property where the usual means of transmission seemed unlikely and offers alternative possibilities including wind, animals, and human movements.

Research Background

• This research was sparked by an outbreak of equine influenza in New South Wales, Australia in 2007.
• Transmission of the disease usually occurs between properties in close vicinity, but this study focuses on a case where a property that had no clear epidemiological links with other infected properties was affected.
• The researchers wanted to investigate how the influenza virus made its way to this property. Speculation included windborne transmission or potentially birds and other animals carrying the virus to the property.

Research Method

• To gather information on potential transmission methods, the researchers used a semi-structured questionnaire for the property owners.
• The questionnaire aimed to collect detailed information about various transmission-risk factors like movements of personnel, sharing of equipment, and movements of horses and other animals.

Research Findings

• The results from the interviews with property owners suggested that birds or other animals might have been the carriers of the virus, rather than it being spread by wind.

Research Conclusion and Recommendations for Further Research

• The research concludes that the mechanical spread of equine influenza could be a possibility, meaning that inanimate objects or animals could have carried the virus, leading to the infection of the horses on the property.
• As a result of these findings, it is recommended for further research to delve into the likelihood of avian fomite transmission, which refers to birds carrying the disease. Future investigations could involve laboratory testing of bird feathers after contact with infected horses.