No abstract

In 2005 the National Animal Health Monitoring System conducted a survey in 183 live poultry markets throughout the United States. The objectives of this study were to describe characteristics of live poultry markets in the United States and to identify potential risk factors for markets to be repeatedly positive for low-pathogenicity avian influenza virus (LPAIV) H5/H7. A questionnaire was administered to market operators that included questions regarding types of birds and other animals in the market, biosecurity, and cleaning and disinfecting practices. A history of testing for avian influenza from March 2004 through March 2005 was obtained for each market. Cases were defined as markets with at least 2 positive LPAI/H5/H7 test results during the year (separate occasions), and controls were defined as markets that were tested at least twice during the year with all negative results. Markets in the North region (New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, New England) were larger than markets in the South (Florida, California, Texas) and were more likely to slaughter birds on-site. Testing for avian influenza virus (AIV) was performed more frequently in the North region than in the South region. Markets in the North region tested positive for H5 or H7 at 14.6% of the testing visits, and no markets in the South region tested positive for H5/H7 at any time during the year. Factors associated with repeated presence of LPAIV H5/H7 included number of times the market was cleaned and disinfected, being open 7 days per week, and trash disposal of dead birds.

Background: Equine protozoal myeloencephalitis (EPM) is a serious and often fatal neurologic disease of horses, but few studies have investigated risk factors.Objectives: To evaluate operation-and individual-level factors associated with likelihood of the occurrence of EPM. Animals: Data were collected as part of a study of the US equine industry from 1,178 operations representing 83.9% of horses and 51.6% of operations with 3 horses in 28 states.Methods: Probability-based sampling was used to enroll representative operations in a cross-sectional study. Interviews were conducted to collect information regarding health and management of horses. A nested case-control study was used to investigate risk factors among individual horses. Interview data were combined with climate data, human population density, and opossum regional ecology categories. Data were analyzed using logistic regression to identify risk factors for the occurrence of EPM.Results: Owners reported that 95% of EPM cases included in this study were diagnosed by veterinarians. Variables associated with EPM occurrence on premises included opossum regional ecology, reported exposure to small wildlife, climate, terrain, housing, choice of bedding material, method of storing feeds, equine stocking density, and primary use of horses. Among individual horses, age was most strongly associated with disease risk. Associations also were identified with sex, breed, primary use, and participation in competitions.Conclusions and Clinical Importance: Because the risk of EPM occurrence on operations is closely tied to factors that impact exposure to opossums, their feces, and their environment, controlling these exposures may be important in preventing the occurrence of EPM.