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Nasal Wipes for Influenza A Virus Detection and Isolation from Swine
Published on: December 4, 2015
Epidemiological Risk Factors for Animal Influenza A Viruses Overcoming Species Barriers
Kate A Harris1, Gudrun S Freidl2,3, Olga S Munoz4,5
1Animal and Plant Health Agency-Weybridge (APHA), Woodham Lane, New Haw, Addlestone, Surrey, KT15 3NB, UK.
Abstract:
Drivers and risk factors for Influenza A virus transmission across species barriers are poorly understood, despite the ever present threat to human and animal health potentially on a pandemic scale. Here we review the published evidence for epidemiological risk factors associated with influenza viruses transmitting between animal species and from animals to humans. A total of 39 papers were found with evidence of epidemiological risk factors for influenza virus transmission from animals to humans; 18 of which had some statistical measure associated with the transmission of a virus. Circumstantial or observational evidence of risk factors for transmission between animal species was found in 21 papers, including proximity to infected animals, ingestion of infected material and potential association with a species known to carry influenza virus. Only three publications were found which presented a statistical measure of an epidemiological risk factor for the transmission of influenza between animal species. This review has identified a significant gap in knowledge regarding epidemiological risk factors for the transmission of influenza viruses between animal species.
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