title: Descriptive analysis and spatial epidemiology of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) for swine sites participating in area regional control and elimination programs from 3 regions of Ontario.
abstract: The objectives of this study were to describe demographics, basic biosecurity practices, ownership structure, and prevalence of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) in swine sites located in 3 regions in Ontario, and investigate the presence of spatial clustering and clusters of PRRS positive sites in the 3 regions. A total of 370 swine sites were enrolled in Area Regional Control and Elimination projects in Niagara, Watford, and Perth from 2010 to 2013. Demographics, biosecurity, and site ownership data were collected using a standardized questionnaire and site locations were obtained from an industry organization. Status was assigned on the basis of available diagnostic tests and/or assessment by site veterinarians. Spatial dependence was investigated using the D-function, the spatial scan statistic test and the spatial relative risk method. Results showed that the use of strict all-in all-out (AIAO) pig flow and shower before entry are uncommon biosecurity practices in swine sites, but a larger proportion of sites reported having a Danish entry. The prevalence of PRRS in the 3 regions ranged from 17% to 48% and localized high and low risk clusters were detected. Sites enrolled in the PRRS control projects were characterized by membership in multiple and overlapping ownership structures and networks, which complicates the way the results of monitoring and disease management measures are communicated to the target population.
authors.affiliation: Department of Population Medicine, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario (Arruda, Poljak, Friendship); Ontario Swine Health Advisory Board, Stratford, Ontario (Carpenter); and Strategic Solutions Group, Puslinch, Ontario (Hand).
authors.forename: Andreia G
authors.initials: AG
authors.lastname: Arruda
authors.affiliation: Department of Population Medicine, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario (Arruda, Poljak, Friendship); Ontario Swine Health Advisory Board, Stratford, Ontario (Carpenter); and Strategic Solutions Group, Puslinch, Ontario (Hand).
authors.forename: Zvonimir
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Poljak
authors.affiliation: Department of Population Medicine, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario (Arruda, Poljak, Friendship); Ontario Swine Health Advisory Board, Stratford, Ontario (Carpenter); and Strategic Solutions Group, Puslinch, Ontario (Hand).
authors.forename: Robert
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Friendship
authors.affiliation: Department of Population Medicine, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario (Arruda, Poljak, Friendship); Ontario Swine Health Advisory Board, Stratford, Ontario (Carpenter); and Strategic Solutions Group, Puslinch, Ontario (Hand).
authors.forename: Jane
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Carpenter
authors.affiliation: Department of Population Medicine, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario (Arruda, Poljak, Friendship); Ontario Swine Health Advisory Board, Stratford, Ontario (Carpenter); and Strategic Solutions Group, Puslinch, Ontario (Hand).
authors.forename: Karen
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Hand
mesh_terms: D000822:Animal Husbandry; D000818:Animals; D003625:Data Collection; D005260:Female; D008297:Male; D009864:Ontario / Q000453:epidemiology; D019318:Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D012307:Risk Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013552:Swine