Spatial patterns and clusters analysis of avian influenza H9N2 sub type in backyard poultry- 2014 and 2015

AI H9N2 subtype is endemic in Iran and every year causing huge losses to the poultry industry of the country. Backyard poultry could spread the virus to commercial poultry as reservoirs and vectors of AI viruses. Identify areas of high risk for the disease using spatial analyzes can be effective in prevention and control programs. The study was conducted using a cross-sectional design from September to December in 2014 and 2015. Sampling was taken from backyard poultry of villages that registered in Iranian veterinary organization database (GIS). All samples were examined using HI-H9N2 test according to the IVO protocol. In 2014 a total of 397 villages and 11546 birds were sampled. 341 (86%) villages and 4517 (39%) birds were positive on the HI test. In 2015 a total of 329 villages and 8901 birds were sampled. 286 (86.9%) villages and 2771 (31.1%) birds were positive on the HI test. The results of this study indicate that the village level prevalence is high but bird level prevalence is low. Given that, there are spatial database in IVO (GIS) and all diseases data including avian influenza surveillance data are recording in this system, spatial analysis capabilities can be used to identify high risk areas of disease occurrence, and based on these findings, the planning should be done to control the disease in the country.