Integrated spatial analysis of the risk of introduction and spread of Avian Influenza A in wild and domestic birds in the French departments of America: Guadeloupe, French Guiana and Martinique.
Objectives
Qualitative risk assessment is required in the French departments to enhance Avian Influenza surveillance system through the development of risk-based surveillance protocols and to protect the local production.
Materials and Methods
An integrated method incorporating qualitative risk analysis, mapping and livestock movements under development by Squarzoni-Diaw et al. was used to do a spatial risk assessment of AI virus introduction, establishment and spread at the sub-communal level. The likelihood of introduction was estimated from international wild and domestic bird’s movements (legal and illegal). The likelihood of establishment and spread was estimated using risk factors such as poultry density, fighting cock activities, biosecurity measures, and accessibility. Those factors were collected from literature and discussed with local and international experts. Finally, these different risks assessment were combined to produce AI occurrence risk maps.
Results
Several maps were produced for each department with 4 risk levels: very high, high, low or negligible. Discussion about the results were organized with experts and with the Chief Veterinary Officer of each territory.
Conclusion
This study will be completed by September 2018. AI occurrence risk maps could be further used to set up national HPAI emergency plans, risk-based surveillance protocols, or to target awareness campaigns for poultry stakeholders and veterinary services
Key words: Avian Influenza, Risk Analysis, GIS, Wild birds, Trade, Animal movements - Guadeloupe Martinique, French Guiana
Supervisors
Dr Jennifer Pradel, UMR Astre, Cirad, Guadeloupe - French West Indies
Dr Cécile Squarzoni-Diaw, UMR Astre, Cirad, Réunion - France
Dr Caroline Coste, UMR Astre, Cirad, Montpellier - France
Tutor
Dr. Hammami Pachka, UMR Astre, Cirad, Guadeloupe - French West Indies
Funding
The French agricultural research and international cooperation organization working for the sustainable development of tropical and Mediterranean regions.