Model predicts cross-species contamination risk for farm animals.

 

A new mathematical model from US researchers reveals the high risk of cross-species disease spread on farms with more than one type of animal. According to the model developed by a team at North Carolina State University—and described in Veterinary Research—biosecurity efforts focused on the top three per cent of farms in a particular contact network may significantly cut back cross-species disease dissemination. 

 “Most disease-prevention programs focus control and prevention measures on one species; however, it is well known that cross-species transmissions occur,” A/Prof Gustavo Machado said. “For example, foot-and-mouth disease can be transmitted among all ungulate species. And all of these farms are connected—they sell and share animals all the time.” 

 The researchers created a stochastic mathematical model that described the ‘connectedness’ of farms in one area of Southern Brazil. 

The model included three years’ worth of data for a population of 90 million animals and traced over 1.6 million animal movements between farms, such as animal sales and grow-finishing movements. 

 The model simulated disease outbreaks that began in cattle, pigs, and small ruminants (i.e., sheep or goats), respectively, in order to determine the likelihood of cross-species contamination in each case. They ran 1000 distinct simulations 100 times each to identify,continue

H5N3.

A new strain of the highly pathogenic avian influenza ;H5N3 has been detected in 2 goose farms in southern Taiwan.The new strain identified 16/1/15 in these farms are thought to have been transmitted to the birds by migratory birds. The animal health authorities have issued a disease control measure response to the outbreaks, with all poultry slaughter houses ordered to stop operation for 2 days to carry out sterilization of equipment. A response plan should include: enhanced bio- security protocol, surveillance and monitoring of global progress of the virus to provide opportunity for proactive risk management, and also early detection,reporting and surveillance of the virus. The HPAI virus is on the move affecting poultry of various species, affecting man in some countries resulting in some deaths, all hands must be on deck to stop the virus. BE PROACTIVE! STOP THE HPAI VIRUS.

BIRD FLU.

Washington,Oregon activate bird flu alert. 30 countries restricts US poultry. In Germany, a white stork tested positive to H5N8,the stock and 8 other birds in the ROSTOCK ZOO. Three human cases of H7N9 in ZHAOQING. All border control points have implemented health surveillance measures. 2 people diagnosed with bird flu in egypt as @ 6/1/2015,the human cases upticks in Egypt. Bio security measures up scaled in farms,markets and control points.Airport surveillance also in place,passengers coming into country from AI zones are using masks and are monitored. Citizens are advised about safety measures such as; avoiding crowded zones.Covering mouth when sneezing and coughing.washing and cleaning surfaces with disinfectants, washing hands constantly especially after handling poultry products.