Using geospatial methods to measure the risk of environmental persistence of avian influenza virus in South Carolina

C Stenkamp-Strahm; K Patyk; M J McCool-Eye; A Fox; J Humphreys; A James; D South; S Magzamen

doi:10.1016/j.sste.2020.100342

Using geospatial methods to measure the risk of environmental persistence of avian influenza virus in South Carolina

Spat Spatiotemporal Epidemiol. 2020 Aug:34:100342. doi: 10.1016/j.sste.2020.100342. Epub 2020 May 19.

Authors

C Stenkamp-Strahm¹, K Patyk², M J McCool-Eye², A Fox², J Humphreys³, A James², D South¹, S Magzamen⁴

Affiliations

¹ Colorado State University, Department of Environmental and Radiological Health Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Fort Collins, CO.
² United States Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Veterinary Services: Strategy and Policy, Center for Epidemiology and Animal Health, Fort Collins, CO.
³ Michigan State University, Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, East Lansing, MI.
⁴ Colorado State University, Department of Environmental and Radiological Health Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Fort Collins, CO. Electronic address: sheryl.magzamen@colostate.edu.

PMID: 32807394
DOI: 10.1016/j.sste.2020.100342

Abstract

Avian influenza (AIV) is a highly contagious virus that can infect both wild birds and domestic poultry. This study aimed to define areas within the state of South Carolina (SC) at heightened risk for environmental persistence of AIV using geospatial methods. Environmental factors known to influence AIV survival were identified through the published literature and using a multi-criteria decision analysis with GIS was performed. Risk was defined using five categories following the World Organization for Animal Health Risk Assessment Guidelines. Less than 1% of 1km grid cells in SC showed a high risk of AIV persistence. Approximately 2% - 17% of counties with high or very high environmental risk also had medium to very high numbers of commercial poultry operations. Results can be used to improve surveillance activities and to inform biosecurity practices and emergency preparedness efforts.

Keywords: Avian influenza; Geospatial; Modeling; Risk map; Waterfowl; poultry.

Publication types

Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

Animals
Animals, Wild
Birds
Environment
Influenza A virus / isolation & purification*
Influenza in Birds / epidemiology*
Poultry
Risk
Seasons
South Carolina / epidemiology
Spatial Analysis*