Risk for infection with highly pathogenic avian influenza virus (H5N1) in backyard chickens, Bangladesh.
To evaluate risk factors for infection with highly pathogenic avian influenza A virus (H5N1) in backyard chickens in Bangladesh, we conducted a matched case-control study. We enrolled 25 case farms (cases March-November 2007) and 75 control farms (June-November 2007). We used a questionnaire to collect farm data, which were analyzed by matched-pair analysis and multivariate conditional logistic regression. Factors independently associated were offering slaughter remnants of purchased chickens to backyard chickens (odds ratio [OR] 13.29, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.34-131.98, p = 0.027), having a nearby water body (OR 5.27, 95% CI 1.24-22.34, p = 0.024), and having contact with pigeons (OR 4.47, 95% CI 1.14-17.50, p = 0.032). Separating chickens and ducks at night was protective (OR 0.06, 95% CI 0.01-0.45, p = 0.006). Reducing these risks and taking protective measures might reduce the risk for influenza (H5N1) infection in backyard chickens.
Biswas
Paritosh K
PK
Department of Microbiology, Chittagong Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Khulshi, Chittagong, Bangladesh. biswaspk2000@yahoo.com
Christensen
Jens P
JP
Ahmed
Syed S U
SS
Das
Ashutosh
A
Rahman
Mohammad H
MH
Barua
Himel
H
Giasuddin
Mohammad
M
Hannan
Abu S M A
AS
Habib
Mohammad A
MA
Debnath
Nitish C
NC
D000818:Animals; D001459:Bangladesh; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D002645:Chickens / Q000821:virology*; D010856:Columbidae / Q000821:virology; D004372:Ducks / Q000821:virology; D053124:Influenza A Virus, H5N1 Subtype / Q000472:pathogenicity*; D016015:Logistic Models; D015999:Multivariate Analysis; D009976:Orthomyxoviridae Infections / Q000209:etiology / Q000662:veterinary*; D011201:Poultry Diseases / Q000209:etiology*; D012307:Risk Factors