Network analysis of pig movement data as an epidemiological tool: an Austrian case study

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Epidemiology
• Animal Health Management
• Network Science

Background:

• Animal movements are a significant risk factor for infectious disease transmission in domestic animal populations.
• Understanding trade networks is crucial for effective disease control and surveillance in livestock.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the structure and temporal dynamics of the Austrian pig trade network.
• To identify potential vulnerabilities for infectious disease spread.
• To explore the utility of trade communities for disease management.

Main Methods:

• Social network analysis applied to daily swine movement data from 2015-2021.
• Analysis of network topology, structural changes, and community structure over time.
• Dynamic community detection to identify stable trade clusters.

Main Results:

• The Austrian pig trade network is scale-free but sparse, with heterogeneous farm density and dominance of small farms.
• Upper Austria and Styria show higher structural vulnerability.
• High assortativity within federal states was observed, but trade communities did not align with administrative divisions.
• Stable trade communities were identified, suggesting potential for alternative disease management zoning.

Conclusions:

• The pig trade network's structure offers insights into potential infectious disease spread pathways.
• Identified regional vulnerabilities and stable trade communities can inform targeted surveillance and control measures.
• Trade-based communities may serve as a novel approach for zoning in infectious disease management.