title: Social network analysis used to assess the relationship between the spread of avian influenza and movement patterns of backyard chickens in Ratchaburi, Thailand.
abstract: In this study, we describe the movement and trading patterns of the backyard chicken in Ratchaburi, Thailand by using social network analysis with egocentric approach. From questionnaire results, we found that there is a close relationship between chicken owners' houses and fresh markets, and we concluded that this relationship needs attention from authorities to prevent future outbreaks of avian flu. Control measures should be applied over pathways to prevent and control highly pathogenic avian influenza subtype H5N1 in the backyard farming system. Results of our study may be useful to relevant authorities and researchers seeking to understand how H5N1 spreads in Ratchaburi. This may reflect on the spread of H5N1 throughout Thailand.
authors.affiliation: Tropical Agriculture Program, Graduate School, Kasetsart University, 50 Ngam Wong Wan Rd., Ladyaow, Chatuchak, Bangkok 10900, Thailand. fvetctp@ku.ac.th
authors.forename: Chaithep
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Poolkhet
authors.forename: Pornsri
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Chairatanayuth
authors.forename: Sukanya
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Thongratsakul
authors.forename: Suwicha
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Kasemsuwan
authors.forename: Theera
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Rukkwamsuk
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002645:Chickens; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D053124:Influenza A Virus, H5N1 Subtype / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D005585:Influenza in Birds / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000635:transmission; D008297:Male; D011201:Poultry Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000635:transmission / Q000821:virology*; D012424:Rural Population; D012944:Social Support; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013785:Thailand / Q000453:epidemiology