ABSTRACT
Influenza D virus (IDV) has been identified in several continents, with serological evidence for the virus in Africa. In order to improve the sensitivity and cost-benefit of IDV surveillance in Togo, risk maps were drawn using a spatial multicriteria decision analysis (MCDA) and experts' opinion to evaluate the relevance of sampling areas used so far. Areas at highest risk of IDV occurrence were the main cattle markets. The maps were evaluated with previous field surveillance data collected in Togo between 2017 and 2019: 1216 sera from cattle, small ruminants, and swine were screened for antibodies to IDV by hemagglutination inhibition (HI) assays. While further samples collections are needed to validate the maps, the risk maps resulting from the spatial MCDA approach generated here highlight several priority areas for IDV circulation assessment.
Subject(s)
Decision Support Techniques , Epidemiological Monitoring/veterinary , Orthomyxoviridae Infections/veterinary , Thogotovirus , Animals , Antibodies, Viral/blood , Cattle , Hemagglutination Inhibition Tests , Orthomyxoviridae Infections/epidemiology , Risk Factors , Ruminants/virology , Spatial Analysis , Swine/virology , Togo/epidemiologyABSTRACT
In 2015, highly pathogenic avian influenza A(H5N1) viruses reemerged in poultry in West Africa. We describe the introduction of a reassortant clade 2.3.2.1c virus into Togo in April 2018. Our findings signal further local spread and evolution of these viruses, which could affect animal and human health.
