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Published on: December 3, 2011
Predicting the spread of foot and mouth disease by airborne virus
A I Donaldson1, S Alexandersen
1Institute for Animal Health (IAH), Pirbright Laboratory, Ash Road, Pirbright, Woking, Surrey GU24 ONF, United Kingdom.
Abstract:
Foot and mouth disease (FMD) can spread by a variety of mechanisms which, under certain climatic and epidemiological conditions, includes the windborne spread of disease. Recent advances in knowledge of the aerobiological features of FMD are described. The strain of virus and species of infected animal are major determinants of airborne virus emission. Pigs emit most virus, cattle and sheep lesser but similar amounts to each other. Peak excretion of airborne virus by sheep occurs before the clinical phase of disease, whereas with cattle and pigs, it coincides with the development of early clinical disease. The probability of aerogenous infection differs greatly between livestock species. Cattle are the most susceptible, followed by sheep, whereas pigs are very resistant. Computer-based simulation models have been developed to analyse and predict the risk of airborne spread of FMD and have been used successfully during outbreaks to support decision-making. Further research is required to refine and extend the models for operational use.
Insights
Foot and mouth disease (FMD) can spread through the air, with pigs emitting the most virus. Cattle are most susceptible to airborne FMD, while pigs are resistant, impacting disease spread predictions.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Science
- Epidemiology
- Aerobiology
Background:
- Foot and mouth disease (FMD) is a highly contagious viral disease affecting cloven-hoofed animals.
- Windborne transmission is a significant, yet complex, FMD spread mechanism under specific conditions.
- Understanding aerobiological features is crucial for FMD control strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe recent advances in understanding the aerobiology of FMD.
- To analyze factors influencing airborne virus emission and transmission.
- To evaluate the utility of simulation models for FMD risk assessment.
Main Methods:
- Review of aerobiological features of FMD virus.
- Quantification of airborne virus emission by different livestock species (pigs, cattle, sheep).
- Assessment of interspecies susceptibility to aerogenous FMD infection.
- Development and application of computer-based simulation models.
Main Results:
- Virus strain and animal species significantly impact airborne FMD virus emission.
- Pigs are the largest emitters, followed by cattle and sheep.
- Peak virus excretion timing varies by species: pre-clinical in sheep, early clinical in cattle and pigs.
- Cattle exhibit the highest susceptibility to airborne FMD, sheep are moderately susceptible, and pigs are resistant.
- Simulation models have been successfully applied to support FMD outbreak management.
Conclusions:
- Aerobiological characteristics of FMD vary significantly between animal species.
- Species-specific emission and susceptibility data are vital for accurate risk prediction.
- Computer models offer valuable tools for analyzing and predicting airborne FMD spread.
- Further model refinement is needed for enhanced operational use in FMD control.
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