Rapid Response Spatial Information System: Avian Influenza in Thailand

Rapid Response Spatial Information System: Avian Influenza in Thailand

4. Results

4.1 Nation -wide case
As shown in Figure 1 dispersion of AI in Thailand from November 2003 to February 2004, first affected farm was located in the central part of Thailand and dispersed rapidly because the poultry farms were densely clustered From Fig. 1, trends and direction of AI were assessed, thus the barricade plan was set up through an internet map server as shown in Figure 2

Figure 1 Dispersion of AI in Thailand

Figure 2 Dispersion of AI in Thailand on Internet Map Server
4.2 Specific case study area
The GIS layers and high resolution satellite imageries were utilized to plot territorial distribution of affected and at-risk poultry farms, to define the areas at risk where restriction and surveillance measures were imposed, and to identify farms situated in close proximity to the outbreak sites (Figure 3). In certain circumstances (i.e., high density of poultry farms), farms located in the neighborhood of AI outbreaks were pre-emptively slaughtered.

Figure 3 high resolution satellite imageries were utilized to plot territorial distribution of affected and at-risk poultry farms
5. Conclusions
All related information illustrated on Internet Map Server was beneficial to the related agencies for their decision making. The decision making process will depend on the necessary information interfaced with geo-spatial data. The result of this study can be used to specify the monitoring area, in order to reduce the damage from the new outbreaks.

For the rapid response to the new outbreaks of AI and/or similarly diseases, GIS and high resolution satellite imageries can be used to analyze epidemiological risks and to manage emergency measures in epidemics. GPS can be used to immediately locate coordinate the affected farms in order to define the restricted and clearing zone. (e.g. average density calculation), it is an operational and accurate tool that can be utilized by veterinarians and decision makers. This information system serves as a basis for the minimization of epidemiological risks and economic damages.

References

FAO Animal Health Special Report, Avian Influenza – Background Website http://www.fao.org/ag/againfo/subjects/en/health/diseases-cards/avian_bg.html (23 June 2004)
FAO Animal Product and Health Website http://www.fao.org/ag/aga.html( 23 June 2004)
M. Ehlers, M. Möller, S. Marangon, and N. Ferre. 2002. The Use of Geographic Information System (GIS) in the Frame of the Contingency Plan Implemented During the 1999–2001 Avian Influenza (AI) Epidemic in Italy. Instituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, Padova, Italy
Paul A Longley etal.1999. Geographical Information Systems. John Wiley and Sons. 2nd Edition .Newyork.USA
R. Shriram and Rajiv Gupta. 2003. Disease Surveillance and Monitoring using GIS.Institute of Technology and Science,Pilani India
S. Davison, R.J. Eckroade, S. W. Casavant, and S. Gallo. 2003. Geographic Information System (GIS) Technology for se in Animal Agriculture. The 75th Northeastern Conference on Avian Diseases, June 11-13, 2003. University of Maine, Maine. USA.

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