The risk factors for avian influenza on poultry farms: a meta-analysis

Abstract

Background: Avian influenza is a severe threat both to humans and poultry, but so far, no systematic review on the identification and evaluation of the risk factors of avian influenza infection has been published. The objective of this meta-analysis is to provide evidence for decision-making and further research on AI prevention through identifying the risk factors associated with AI infection on poultry farms.

Methods: The results from 15 selected studies on risk factors for AI infections on poultry farms were analyzed quantitatively by meta-analysis.

Results: Open water source (OR=2.89), infections on nearby farms (OR=4.54), other livestock (OR=1.90) and disinfection of farm (OR=0.54) have significant association with AI infection on poultry farms. The subgroup analysis results indicate that there exist different risk factors for AI infections in different types of farms.

Conclusions: The main risk factors for AI infection in poultry farms are environmental conditions (open water source, infections on nearby farms), keeping other livestock on the same farm and no disinfection of the farm.

Keywords: Avian influenza; Meta-analysis; Poultry farm; Risk factor.