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Canadian journal of veterinary research = Revue canadienne de recherche veterinaire2018; 82(2); 89-96; doi: 10.1016/j.vetmic.2013.03.029

Using a computer simulation model to examine the impact of biosecurity measures during a facility-level outbreak of equine influenza.

Abstract: On-farm biosecurity measures are an important part of a control plan to minimize the introduction and spread of infectious diseases, such as equine influenza, in an equine facility. It can be challenging, however, to evaluate the efficacy of biosecurity measures under field conditions. We used an agent-based computer simulation model to describe the impact of: i) preventive vaccination; ii) reduced horse-to-horse contact; and iii) a combination of vaccination and reduced contact during an outbreak of equine influenza in a simulated horse facility. The model demonstrated that the most effective intervention was a combination of a high proportion of recently vaccinated horses and a substantial reduction in horse-to-horse contact once equine influenza had been identified in the facility. This study highlights the importance of compliance when implementing biosecurity measures, such as facility-level infection control practices, on horse farms. Les mesures de biosécurité à la ferme sont une composante importante d’un plan de maîtrise afin de minimiser l’introduction et la dissémination de maladies infectieuses, telle que l’influenza, dans une installation équine. L’évaluation de l’efficacité de mesures de biosécurité dans des conditions de champ peut toutefois représenter un défi. En absence d’une épidémie active, nous avons utilisé une simulation informatisée d’une infection afin de décrire l’impact de : i) une vaccination préventive; ii) une réduction des contacts cheval-à-cheval; et iii) une combinaison de vaccination et de contacts réduits sur le taux d’attaque projeté d’une épidémie simulée d’influenza équin dans un établissement. Les résultats ont démontré que l’intervention la plus efficace était une combinaison d’une proportion élevée de chevaux récemment vaccinés et d’une réduction substantielle des contacts cheval-à-cheval une fois que l’influenza fut identifiée dans l’établissement. Cette étude fait ressortir l’importance de la compliance lors de la mise en place de mesures de biosécurité sur des fermes équines, telles que des pratiques de maitrise des infections au niveau de l’établissement.(Traduit par Docteur Serge Messier).
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Publication Date: 2018-05-15 PubMed ID: 29755187PubMed Central: PMC5914078DOI: 10.1016/j.vetmic.2013.03.029Google Scholar: Lookup
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  • Journal Article

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.

The research used a computer simulation model to examine the effectiveness of on-farm biosecurity measures during an equine influenza outbreak. The most effective method was found to be a combination of extensive vaccination and significantly reduced horse-to-horse contact.

Objective of the Study

The study aimed to examine the effectiveness of on-farm biosecurity measures in minimizing the introduction and spread of infectious diseases, with a focus on equine influenza at an equine facility.

Methodology

  • The researchers created an agent-based computer simulation model to carry out the study. The model was used to simulate an outbreak of equine influenza within a given horse facility.
  • Next, they used the model to investigate the impacts of three key interventions – preventive vaccination, reduction in horse-to-horse contact, and a combination of preventive vaccination and reduced contact. These were input into the model to observe the impacts they could have on the spread of the influenza.

Results

  • According to the results from the computer simulations, the combination of two biosecurity measures, namely significant vaccination and reduced contact between horses emerged as the most effective intervention.
  • Singular measures like vaccination alone or reduced contact alone were found to be less effective against preventing the spread of the disease.

Conclusion

  • The study underscores the crucial role of compliance in implementing biosecurity measures. Adherence to recommended infection control practices at a horse facility, such as thorough vaccination and significant reduction in horse-to-horse contact, is critical in effectively controlling the spread of infectious diseases.
  • The findings of the research are significant as they can guide effective decision-making and prompt actions during an outbreak of equine influenza or similar infectious diseases in equine facilities

Implication

  • The simulation model and findings of this study could be potentially applied to other infectious diseases and other animal facilities. A similar approach could be employed to establish the optimal biosecurity measures to contain the spread of other infectious diseases.

Cite This Article

APA
Spence KL, O'Sullivan TL, Poljak Z, Greer AL. (2018). Using a computer simulation model to examine the impact of biosecurity measures during a facility-level outbreak of equine influenza. Can J Vet Res, 82(2), 89-96. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.vetmic.2013.03.029

Publication

Canadian journal of veterinary research = Revue canadienne de recherche veterinaire
ISSN: 1928-9022
NlmUniqueID: 8607793
Country: Canada
Language: English
Volume: 82
Issue: 2
Pages: 89-96

Researcher Affiliations

Spence, Kelsey L
  • Department of Population Medicine, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario N1G 2W1.
O'Sullivan, Terri L
  • Department of Population Medicine, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario N1G 2W1.
Poljak, Zvonimir
  • Department of Population Medicine, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario N1G 2W1.
Greer, Amy L
  • Department of Population Medicine, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario N1G 2W1.

MeSH Terms

  • Animals
  • Computer Simulation
  • Horse Diseases / prevention & control
  • Horses
  • Models, Biological
  • Orthomyxoviridae Infections / prevention & control
  • Orthomyxoviridae Infections / veterinary
  • Risk Factors

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Citations

This article has been cited 1 times.
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    doi: 10.3390/vaccines10101718pubmed: 36298583google scholar: lookup
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