Management and environmental factors involved in equine influenza outbreaks in Ireland 2007-2010.
Abstract: Outbreaks of equine influenza (EI) in endemic populations continue to cause economic loss despite widespread vaccination. Objective: To identify the key management and environmental factors that determine the risk of horses contracting EI in an endemic country and to identify control strategies. Methods: Real time-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), virus isolation and haemagglutination inhibition were carried out on nasopharyngeal swabs and clotted blood samples collected from horses and ponies showing signs of respiratory disease. On premises where a diagnosis of EI was confirmed, the attending veterinary surgeon was asked to participate in an epidemiological investigation. Results: Between June 2007 and January 2010, EI outbreaks were diagnosed on 28 premises located in 13 of the 32 counties of Ireland. Veterinary advice was sought on average more than 5 days after the first clinical signs were observed. The majority of diagnoses were made by RT-PCR. Data from 404 horses on 16 premises were used in the epidemiological analysis. In 15 premises, EI was identified following movement of horses. Housing type, teaser stallions or fomites/personnel contributed to virus spread. Vaccination status, number of years vaccination, time since last vaccination and age influenced disease expression. Isolation and vaccination were effective control measures on the premises where they were implemented. Conclusions: Preventative measures include: isolation, clinical monitoring, serological testing and vaccination of new arrivals, booster vaccination of horses at 6 monthly intervals, maintenance of effective boundaries between equine premises and avoidance of stabling in single air spaces. Control measures include: prompt isolation of suspected cases, rapid diagnosis by RT-PCR, booster vaccination of cohorts and implementation of biosecurity measures to avoid transmission by fomites and personnel. Conclusions: Implementation of these preventative and control measures should reduce the economic losses associated with outbreaks of EI.
© 2011 EVJ Ltd.
Publication Date: 2011-03-04 PubMed ID: 21496094DOI: 10.1111/j.2042-3306.2010.00333.xGoogle Scholar: Lookup
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- Journal Article
- Research Support
- Non-U.S. Gov't
- Biosecurity
- Diagnosis
- Disease control
- Disease Diagnosis
- Disease Etiology
- Disease Management
- Disease Outbreaks
- Disease Prevention
- Disease Transmission
- Disease Treatment
- Economics
- Epidemiology
- Equine Diseases
- Equine Health
- Horses
- Infectious Disease
- Influenza
- Respiratory Disease
- Vaccination
- Veterinary Medicine
- Veterinary Research
Summary
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The article discusses investigative results from equine influenza (EI) outbreaks in Ireland from 2007-2010, outlining management and environmental factors that contributed to the spread and potential control measures to prevent future outbreaks.
Methodology
- The study utilized Real Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR), virus isolation and haemagglutination inhibition methods on samples collected from horses showing signs of the respiratory disease.
- An epidemiological investigation was conducted with the help of attending veterinary doctors in premises where EI was positively diagnosed.
Research Findings
- There were 28 confirmed EI outbreaks across 13 different counties in Ireland between June 2007 and January 2010.
- Typically, veterinary aid was sought more than 5 days after the first EI symptoms were noticed.
- The majority of EI diagnoses were made using the RT-PCR method.
- For the outbreaks analyzed, the movement of horses triggered the spread of EI in 15 premises.
- Environmental factors such as housing conditions, teaser stallions or fomites/personnel also contributed to the virus spread.
- Factors including vaccination status, time since the last vaccination, the number of years of vaccination, and age affected the disease manifestation.
- Measures like vaccination and isolation greatly helped in controlling the disease spread where they were implemented.
Key Recommendations
- The article recommends preventative measures like the isolation of new arrivals, clinical monitoring, serological testing and regular vaccination (every 6 months).
- Also, it suggests boundary maintenance between different horse premises and avoiding stabling in single air spaces.
- When an outbreak occurs, the process should include isolating the suspected cases, diagnosing quickly with RT-PCR, providing booster vaccinations and employing biosecurity measures to prevent transmission via fomites and personnel.
- By implementing these control and preventative measures, the article asserts an expected reduction in economic losses related to EI outbreaks.
Cite This Article
APA
Gildea S, Arkins S, Cullinane A.
(2011).
Management and environmental factors involved in equine influenza outbreaks in Ireland 2007-2010.
Equine Vet J, 43(5), 608-617.
https://doi.org/10.1111/j.2042-3306.2010.00333.x Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Virology Unit, The Irish Equine Centre, Johnstown, Naas, Co. Kildare, Ireland.
MeSH Terms
- Aging
- Animals
- Environment
- Horse Diseases / epidemiology
- Horse Diseases / prevention & control
- Horses
- Incidence
- Influenza A virus / classification
- Influenza A virus / isolation & purification
- Influenza Vaccines / immunology
- Ireland / epidemiology
- Orthomyxoviridae Infections / epidemiology
- Orthomyxoviridae Infections / prevention & control
- Orthomyxoviridae Infections / veterinary
- Orthomyxoviridae Infections / virology
- Risk Factors
- Time Factors
Citations
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