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.

The Caribbean region, at the crossroads of the Americas with multiple trade partnerships in this hemisphere and located along several migratory flyways, is exposed to Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI). After the 2015 HPAI epizootics in the US, the Caribbean Animal Health Network (CaribVET) has launched a regional capacity-building programme aiming at assessing and mapping the risk of HPAI in CARIFORUM countries with a view to optimize epidemiological surveillance. Three French Departments (Guadeloupe, Martinique and French Guiana) where poultry production is poorly developed and with under-staffed veterinary services joined this program.

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.