Risk factors for recurrence of FMD outbreaks in Iran: a case-control study in a highly endemic area

Abstract

BackgroundFoot-and-mouth disease (FMD) is an acute viral disease of cloven-hoofed animals with high economic impact. FMD remains endemic in Iran particularly in the livestock-dense province of Khorasan Razavi in northeastern Iran where FMD outbreaks continuously occur. In this study, we aimed to quantify risk factors for the recurrence of FMD outbreaks in Iran by analyzing a time-series of FMD outbreak data from the province of Khorasan Razavi.ResultsThis study used FMD outbreak data collected from 2012 to 2014. Data were collected by local offices of the Iranian Animal Disease Department and the veterinarian of the veterinary council of the Khorasan Razavi province. An outbreak investigation questionnaire was delivered to 127 farms, including 46 case farms (FMD-infected) and 81 control farms (FMD-free). To quantify and compare the odds of exposure to a risk factor in FMD-infected farms versus FMD-free farms, logistic regression models were built using SPSS software version 16.Our results of multivariable logistic regression indicate that hygienic status of the farm (OR = 11.83; CI = 3.38–41.43), FMD vaccination status (OR = 0.06; CI = 0.01–0.68), transportation of livestock (OR = 0.40; CI = 0.163–0.981) and inhibition of livestock dealers’ entry into the farm (OR = 0.36; CI = 0.12–1.09) were identified as important risk factors for farm-level FMD infection.ConclusionThis study generated much needed evidence on a set of modifiable risk factors for the recurrence of FMD outbreaks in the high risk province of Khorasan Razavi. This information can be used to improve existing national FMD control program and suggest new guidelines to prevent FMD outbreaks in the country.

Factors Affecting the Perception and Practice of Iranian Nomadic and Semi-Nomadic Pastoralists in Regard to Biosecurity Practices in Sheep and Goat Farms: A Cross-Sectional and Prospective Study

“…[11] on the knowledge, attitude and practice of this population of farmers in regard to infectious diseases, it can be concluded that the poor practice and lack of knowledge of biosecurity and infectious diseases among pastoralists are potential contributors to the high prevalence of infectious diseases in sheep and goats in Iran. This conclusion is consistent with the findings of a recent study on Iranian dairy cattle farms that identified inappropriate biosecurity practices as a major cause of mortality and morbidity [17] and those of Hosein Abadi et al [18], who concluded that high abortion rates on sheep farms in south-east Iran were related to poor biosecurity measures. It should be mentioned that a probable source of bias in this study was the sampling method (snowball sampling) and the limited number of geographical regions studied.…”

Seroprevalence and risk factors for foot‐and‐mouth disease in cattle in Baghlan Province, Afghanistan

“…This study (Table 5) highlighted the increased risk through direct and indirect contacts of livestock (movement of cattle to and from animal markets and farmers’ attendance at the animal and animal product market) for infection of herds. Unrestricted animal movements are considered the major contributor to the endemic status of FMD in the Asian region, especially in Pakistan and Iran, which border Afghanistan (Emami et al., 2015; Ilbeigi et al., 2018; Jamal et al., 2010), along with other Asian countries that Afghanistan has trade agreements with, such as India (Pattnaik et al., 2012; Subramaniam et al., 2013). It is widely accepted that the greatest risk for the spread of FMD arises from the movement of infected animals (Alexandersen et al., 2003), and this was highlighted in the current study with farmers who introduced cattle into their herd in the 12‐month period preceding the study being 2.6 times more likely to have an infected herd.…”

Determination of Risk Factors Associated with Foot and Mouth Disease Outbreaks in Dairy Farms in Chiang Mai Province, Northern Thailand

“…Previous reports indicated that limited vaccination coverage [29] or inconsistent FMD vaccination programs [35] were risk factors for FMD outbreaks. In this study, we examined the effects of vaccine Animals 2020, 10, 512 9 of 12 administration because vaccination programs were applied three times a year to all dairy farms as recommended by the DLD [36].…”