Network simulation modeling of equine infectious anemia in the non-racehorse population in Japan.
Abstract: An equine infectious anemia (EIA) transmission model was developed by constructing a network structure of horse movement patterns in a non-racehorse population. This model was then used to evaluate the effectiveness and efficiency of several EIA surveillance strategies. Because EIA had not been detected in Japan since 1993, it was appropriate to review the current surveillance strategy, which aims to eradicate EIA by intensive testing, and to consider alternative strategies suitable for the current EIA status in Japan. The non-racehorse population was divided into four sectors based on horse usage: the equestrian sector, private owner sector, exhibition sector, and fattening sector. To evaluate the risk of disease spread within and between sectors accompanied by horse movements, a stochastic individual-based network model was developed based on a previous survey of horse movement patterns. Surveillance parameters such as targeting sectors and frequency of testing were added into the model to compare surveillance strategies. The disease spread heterogeneously among sectors. Infection occurred mainly in the equestrian sector; the infection was less disseminated in other sectors. Therefore, we considered that the equestrian sector posed a higher risk of disease dissemination within and between sectors through horse movements. However, surveillance strategies targeting only the equestrian sector were not effective enough for early detection of the disease. Alternatively, targeting horses that moved permanently and those in the private owner sector in addition to the equestrian sector is recommended to achieve effectiveness equivalent to that of the current surveillance. In terms of surveillance efficacy, by increasing the testing interval (once yearly to once every 3 years), this testing scheme could reduce the number of tested horses to 44% of the current surveillance, while maintaining almost equivalent effectiveness. Intensive strategies targeting high-risk populations are considered to enhance effectiveness and efficiency of surveillance. The approach in this study may be helpful in the decision-making process that is involved in setting up strategies for risk-based surveillance.
Copyright © 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Publication Date: 2011-10-02 PubMed ID: 21963256DOI: 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2011.09.011Google Scholar: Lookup
The Equine Research Bank provides access to a large database of publicly available scientific literature. Inclusion in the Research Bank does not imply endorsement of study methods or findings by Mad Barn.
- Evaluation Study
- Journal Article
- Research Support
- Non-U.S. Gov't
- Animal Health
- Animal Models
- Animal Science
- Animal Study
- Disease Diagnosis
- Disease Management
- Disease Outbreaks
- Disease Prevalence
- Disease Prevention
- Disease Surveillance
- Disease Transmission
- Disease Treatment
- Epidemiology
- Equine Diseases
- Equine Health
- Equine Infectious Anemia
- Veterinary Medicine
- Veterinary Research
- Veterinary Science
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 focuses on developing and evaluating a model for the transmission of Equine Infectious Anemia (EIA) amongst non-racehorse populations in Japan, using network structures that map out horse movement patterns. The study found that focused surveillance strategies targeting high-risk populations could potentially enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of EIA monitoring.
Development of the Transmission Model
- The researchers based their EIA transmission model on a network reflecting how horses move among different sectors of the non-racing horse population. This was done to anticipate and understand the potential paths of disease transmission.
- The non-racing horse population was segmented into four sectors, namely, the equestrian sector, private owner sector, exhibition sector, and fattening sector, based on how the horses are utilized.
- This segmentation allowed for a detailed evaluation of disease spread risks within and between these sectors, facilitated by horse movement.
EIA Surveillance Strategies & Model Evaluation
- The constructed model also incorporated surveillance parameters like the frequency of tests and sectors being targeted, allowing a comparative evaluation of different surveillance strategies.
- The results suggested a heterogeneous spread of the disease among sectors, with a primary occurrence of infection in the equestrian sector.
Recommendations Based on Research Findings
- While the equestrian sector seemed to pose a higher risk of disease dissemination, surveillance strategies targeting only this sector were found to be insufficient for early disease detection.
- The researchers recommended targeting horses that moved permanently and those in the private owner sector, in addition to the equestrian sector, to achieve an effectiveness equivalent to that of the current surveillance system.
- Additionally, they suggested that increasing the interval of testing (from once a year to once every three years) could maintain the effectiveness while reducing the total number of horses tested to 44% of the current surveillance, thereby improving the efficiency of the surveillance system.
Concluding Remarks
- The study advocates that intensive strategies specifically targeting high-risk populations could enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of EIA surveillance.
- The approach utilized in this study could assist in decision-making processes related to devising strategies for risk-based surveillance.
Cite This Article
APA
Hayama Y, Kobayashi S, Nishida T, Muroga N, Tsutsui T.
(2011).
Network simulation modeling of equine infectious anemia in the non-racehorse population in Japan.
Prev Vet Med, 103(1), 38-48.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.prevetmed.2011.09.011 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Epidemiological Research Team, National Institute of Animal Health, 3-1-5 Kannondai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-0856, Japan. hayama@affrc.go.jp
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Breeding
- Computer Simulation
- Cost-Benefit Analysis
- Equine Infectious Anemia / epidemiology
- Equine Infectious Anemia / transmission
- Horses / classification
- Housing, Animal / standards
- Japan / epidemiology
- Models, Biological
- Population Surveillance / methods
- Risk Assessment
Citations
This article has been cited 3 times.- Rossi TM, Milwid RM, Moore A, O'Sullivan TL, Greer AL. Descriptive network analysis of a Standardbred horse training facility contact network: Implications for disease transmission.. Can Vet J 2020 Aug;61(8):853-859.
- Spence KL, O'Sullivan TL, Poljak Z, Greer AL. Descriptive and network analyses of the equine contact network at an equestrian show in Ontario, Canada and implications for disease spread.. BMC Vet Res 2017 Jun 21;13(1):191.
- Amat JP, Hendrikx P, Tapprest J, Leblond A, Dufour B. Comparative evaluation of three surveillance systems for infectious equine diseases in France and implications for future synergies.. Epidemiol Infect 2015 Oct;143(14):3122-33.
Use Nutrition Calculator
Check if your horse's diet meets their nutrition requirements with our easy-to-use tool Check your horse's diet with our easy-to-use tool
Talk to a Nutritionist
Discuss your horse's feeding plan with our experts over a free phone consultation Discuss your horse's diet over a phone consultation
Submit Diet Evaluation
Get a customized feeding plan for your horse formulated by our equine nutritionists Get a custom feeding plan formulated by our nutritionists
