Avian influenza outbreaks: evaluating the efficacy of cleaning and disinfection of vehicles and transport crates

Spatial risk modelling of highly pathogenic avian influenza in France: Fattening duck farm activity matters

In this study, we present a comprehensive analysis of the key spatial risk factors and predictive risk maps for HPAI infection in France, with a focus on the 2016-17 and 2020-21 epidemic waves. Our findings indicate that the most explanatory spatial predictor variables were related to fattening duck movements prior to the epidemic, which should be considered as indicators of farm operational status, e.g., whether they are active or not. Moreover, we found that considering the operational status of duck houses in nearby municipalities is essential for accurately predicting the risk of future HPAI infection. Our results also show that the density of fattening duck houses could be used as a valuable alternative predictor of the spatial distribution of outbreaks per municipality, as this data is generally more readily available than data on movements between houses. Accurate data regarding poultry farm densities and movements is critical for developing accurate mathematical models of HPAI virus spread and for designing effective prevention and control strategies for HPAI. Finally, our study identifies the highest risk areas for HPAI infection in southwest and northwest France, which is valuable for informing national risk-based strategies and guiding increased surveillance efforts in these regions.

Effectiveness of potassium peroxymonosulfate against enveloped viruses using an aqueous phase and its application on various contaminated carrier surfaces and artificially avian influenza virus-contaminated clothes

Background and Aim

Potassium peroxymonosulfate (PPMS) is a broad-spectrum disinfectant that oxidizes viral protein capsids. The effectiveness of PPMS in killing viruses depends on several factors, including its concentration, contact time, and present of organic materials. This study evaluated the efficacy of PPMS in an aqueous phase. It also applied PPMS to artificially avian influenza virus (AIV)-contaminated carrier surfaces and clothes and compared its effectiveness with that of sodium dichloroisocyanurate (NaDCC) and quaternary ammonium compounds (QAC).

Materials and Methods

Four PPMS concentrations (1×, 0.5×, 0.25×, and 0.125×), were evaluated for their virucidal efficacy against Newcastle disease virus (NDV) and AIV in an aqueous phase. The evaluation included testing in the absence and presence of organic materials under different exposure times, such as 5 s, 30 s, 1 min, 3 min, 5 min, 10 min, and 15 min. AIV inactivation was assessed on contaminated carrier surfaces, such as stainless steel, rubber, plastic, and artificially contaminated clothes.

Results

In aqueous phase, concentrations of 1×, 0.5×, 0.25×, and 0.125× inactivated NDV in the absence of organic materials within 5 s, 5 s, 5 min, and 15 min at concentrations of 1×, 0.5×, 0.25×, and 0.125×, respectively. In the presence of organic material contamination, NDV could be inactivated within 30 s for 1×, 1 min for 0.5×, and 10 min for 0.25×; however, 0.125× PPMS did not achieve inactivation within 15 min. PPMS concentrations of 1×, 0.5×, 0.25×, and 0.125× inactivated AIV within 5 s, 5 s, 5 s, and 30 s, respectively, in both the absence and presence of organic materials. PPMS at a concentration of 1× could inactivate AIV on all carriers within 30 s. PPMS at 0.5× and 0.25× concentrations could inactivate AIV within 30 s on rubber and plastic; inactivation occurred within 1 min on stainless steel. However, 0.125× PPMS and 1× QAC could not achieve inactivation within 3 min on all carriers. Finally, PPMS concentrations of 1×, 0.5×, 0.25×, and 0.125× inactivated AIV on rayon sheets within 5 s, 30 s, 5 min, and 15 min, respectively. However, the recommended NaDCC concentration achieved inactivation within 10 min, whereas QAC did not achieve inactivation within 15 min.

Conclusion

PPMS can inactivate enveloped viruses such as NDV and AIV. Furthermore, PPMS is superior to NaDCC and QAC for inactivating viruses on various carrier surfaces and artificially contaminated clothes. However, the virucidal efficacy of PPMS depends on the optimal concentration, organic material conditions, and exposure/contact timing. Therefore, PPMS is a promising alternative disinfectant crucial for enhancing biosecurity and controlling viruses that contaminate animal farms, slaughterhouses, and hospitals.

Mpox in sports: A comprehensive framework for anticipatory planning and risk mitigation in football based on lessons from COVID-19

The World Health Organization's declaration of mpox (formerly known as monkeypox) as a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC) in July 2022, followed by its resurgence in 2024, has sparked concerns about its potential impact on sports, especially contact sports such as football. Although mpox is not a pandemic (as of late September 2024), the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) experience offers valuable lessons for proactive planning in sports. Our conceptual framework has been designed to draw insightful lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic to assist sports organizations in planning for and preventing similar situations. We aimed to draw lessons from COVID-19 to help sports organizations enhance practical preparedness through effective planning and mitigation strategies. Accordingly, we sought to assess the potential impact of mpox on sports, with a focus on football (soccer), and to develop strategies for prevention, management, and preparedness based on epidemiological insights and lessons from COVID-19 pandemic experience. Here we review mpox's pathophysiology and possibility of transmission in sports settings and discuss tailored strategies, including risk assessments, testing protocols, hygiene measures, and return-to-play policies. This review highlights key differences between mpox and COVID-19 in transmission, incubation, and management, emphasizing the need for customized prevention and control measures in sports. We propose innovative risk assessment methods using global positioning system tracking and machine learning for contact analysis, alongside tailored testing and hygiene protocols. We emphasize the importance of proactive planning, noting improved preparedness in the sports community compared to the early days of COVID-19. In conclusion, our proposed framework provides sports organizations with practical tools to manage potential risks associated with mpox, ensuring the continuity of activities while prioritizing public health.

Assessment of Cleaning and Disinfection Practices on Pig Farms across Ten European Countries

This study delves into the assessment of cleaning and disinfection (C&D) measures within the context of European pig farming, employing the Biocheck.UGent™ tool as an effective instrument for evaluation. A comprehensive set of relevant parameters was examined to enable meaningful comparisons across farms from 10 European countries during four years (2019-2022). Findings indicate a notable increase in C&D measure implementation in select countries (Belgium, Finland, Italy, and Spain), reflecting heightened awareness and responsibility among farmers. Additionally, the overall score for the C&D subcategory highlights variation across countries, with Italy (75), Poland (74), and Belgium (72) displaying the highest scores, while Ireland (56), Slovenia (55), and Serbia (50) reported the lowest scores. However, the considerable variation in the number of participating farms necessitates cautious comparisons. The study identifies well-implemented C&D measures in the frame of external biosecurity but underscores gaps in the application of C&D measures for the material introduction practices across farms (22% of farms), which are attributed to awareness gaps and resource limitations. In the areas of internal biosecurity, strong points include C&D procedures after each production cycle (79%), implementing different stages in the C&D process (65%) and sufficient sanitary break (82%), while gaps are evident in the presence and using of hand hygiene stations (19% of farms) and boots disinfection equipment (40% of farms) between compartments/units. Notably, the study reveals a lack of evaluation of hygiene after C&D procedures (only 1% of farms), signaling critical knowledge gaps among farmers regarding proper assessment tools and methods. In conclusion, this comprehensive analysis sheds light on the implementation status of C&D measures in European pig farming, offering insights into both areas of progress and those requiring improvement. The findings emphasize the need for targeted awareness campaigns and training initiatives to bolster biosecurity practices within the industry.

Evaluation of chlorine dioxide in liquid state and in gaseous state as virucidal agent against avian influenza virus and infectious bronchitis virus

The antiviral activity of chlorine dioxide (ClO2) in liquid (ClO2 gas dissolved liquid) and gaseous state against avian influenza virus (AIV) and infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) was evaluated. To evaluate the effect of ClO2 in liquid state, suspension tests (10 ppm) and carrier tests in dropping / wiping techniques (100 ppm) were performed. In the suspension test, virus titers were reduced below the detection limit within 15 sec after treatment, in spite of the presence of an accompanying organic matter. In the carrier test by dropping technique, AIV and IBV were reduced to below the detection limit in 1 and 3 min, respectively. Following wiping technique, no virus was detected in the wiping sheets after 30 sec of reaction. Both viruses adhering to the carriers were also reduced by 3 logs, thereby indicating that they were effectively inactivated. In addition, the effect of ClO2 gas against IBV in aerosols was evaluated. After the exposure of sprayed IBV to ClO2 gas for a few seconds, 94.2% reduction of the virus titer was observed, as compared to the pre-treatment control. Altogether, hence, ClO2 has an evident potential to be an effective disinfectant for the prevention and control of AIV and IBV infections on poultry farms.

Investigation of risk factors for introduction of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 virus onto table egg farms in the United States, 2022: a case-control study

INTRODUCTION

The 2022-2023 highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 outbreak in the United States (U.S.) is the most geographically extensive and costly animal health event in U.S. history. In 2022 alone, over 57 million commercial and backyard poultry in 47 U.S. states were affected. Over 75% of affected poultry were part of the commercial table egg production sector.

METHODS

We conducted a case-control study to identify potential risk factors for introduction of HPAI virus onto commercial table egg operations. Univariate and multivariable analyses were conducted to compare farm characteristics, management, and biosecurity factors on case and control farms.

RESULTS

Factors associated with increased risk of infection included being in an existing control zone, sightings of wild waterfowl, mowing or bush hogging vegetation less than 4 times a month, having an off-site method of daily mortality disposal (off-site composting or burial, rendering, or landfill), and wild bird access to feed/feed ingredients at least some of the time. Protective factors included a high level of vehicle washing for trucks and trailers entering the farm (a composite variable that included having a permanent wash station), having designated personnel assigned to specific barns, having a farm entrance gate, and requiring a change of clothing for workers entering poultry barns.

DISCUSSION

Study results improve our understanding of risk factors for HPAI infection and control measures for preventing HPAI on commercial U.S. table egg farms.

Investigations of Histomonosis-Favouring Conditions: A Hypotheses-Generating Case-Series-Study

Since the ban of effective feed additives and therapeutics, histomonosis has become an important disease and, subsequently, a welfare issue for turkey production. We conducted an interview-based case series study to generate hypotheses about possible disease-favouring conditions in 31 H. meleagridis-infected flocks. The determined parameters were related to the general farm (flock management, biosecurity measures, etc.) as well as the histomonosis-specific disease management. Some inadequate biosecurity measures were observed. An inappropriate usage of the hygiene lock and cleaning as well as the disinfection frequency of equipment, clothes, and the hygiene lock could possibly be histomonosis-favouring conditions. These factors could increase the risk for the introduction of H. meleagridis and the risk of a pathogen spread on an affected farm. Insects, wild birds, litter materials, and contaminated dung could be potential vectors of H. meleagridis. Predisposing gastrointestinal diseases were observed in 71% of the affected flocks. Additionally, stress events related to higher temperature, movement of birds, and vaccination were documented in association with clinical histomonosis. The results emphasise the need for both good disease control and health management to ensure sustainable animal health and welfare.

The global prevalence of highly pathogenic avian influenza A (H5N8) infection in birds: A systematic review and meta-analysis

The zoonotic pathogen avian influenza A H5N8 causes enormous economic losses in the poultry industry and poses a serious threat to the public health. Here, we report the first systematic review and meta-analysis of the worldwide prevalence of birds. We filtered 45 eligible articles from seven databases. A random-effects model was used to analyze the prevalence of H5N8 in birds. The pooled prevalence of H5N8 in birds was 1.6%. In the regions, Africa has the highest prevalence (8.0%). Based on the source, village (8.3%) was the highest. In the sample type, the highest prevalence was organs (79.7%). In seasons, the highest prevalence was autumn (28.1%). The largest prevalence in the sampling time was during 2019 or later (7.0%). Furthermore, geographical factors also were associated with the prevalence. Therefore, we recommend site-specific prevention and control tools for this strain in birds and enhance the surveillance to reduce the spread of H5N8.

EFSA Panel on Biological Hazards (BIOHAZ), Koutsoumanis K, Allende A, Álvarez‐Ordóñez A, Bolton D, Bover‐Cid S, Chemaly M, Davies R, De Cesare A, Herman L, Hilbert F, Lindqvist R, Nauta M, Ru G, Simmons M, Skandamis P, Suffredini E, Argüello‐Rodríguez H, Dohmen W, Magistrali CF, Padalino B, Tenhagen B, Threlfall J, García‐Fierro R, Guerra B, Liébana E, Stella P, Peixe L. Transmission of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) during animal transport

The transmission of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) between food-producing animals (poultry, cattle and pigs) during short journeys (< 8 h) and long journeys (> 8 h) directed to other farms or to the slaughterhouse lairage (directly or with intermediate stops at assembly centres or control posts, mainly transported by road) was assessed. Among the identified risk factors contributing to the probability of transmission of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria (ARB) and antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs), the ones considered more important are the resistance status (presence of ARB/ARGs) of the animals pre-transport, increased faecal shedding, hygiene of the areas and vehicles, exposure to other animals carrying and/or shedding ARB/ARGs (especially between animals of different AMR loads and/or ARB/ARG types), exposure to contaminated lairage areas and duration of transport. There are nevertheless no data whereby differences between journeys shorter or longer than 8 h can be assessed. Strategies that would reduce the probability of AMR transmission, for all animal categories include minimising the duration of transport, proper cleaning and disinfection, appropriate transport planning, organising the transport in relation to AMR criteria (transport logistics), improving animal health and welfare and/or biosecurity immediately prior to and during transport, ensuring the thermal comfort of the animals and animal segregation. Most of the aforementioned measures have similar validity if applied at lairage, assembly centres and control posts. Data gaps relating to the risk factors and the effectiveness of mitigation measures have been identified, with consequent research needs in both the short and longer term listed. Quantification of the impact of animal transportation compared to the contribution of other stages of the food-production chain, and the interplay of duration with all risk factors on the transmission of ARB/ARGs during transport and journey breaks, were identified as urgent research needs.