Rate of introduction of a low pathogenic avian influenza virus infection in different poultry production sectors in the Netherlands.

BACKGROUND: Targeted risk-based surveillance of poultry types (PT) with different risks of introduction of low pathogenic avian influenza virus (LPAIv) infection may improve the sensitivity of surveillance. OBJECTIVE: To quantify the rate of introduction of LPAIv infections in different PT. METHODS: Data from the Dutch LPAIv surveillance programme (2007-2010) were analysed using a generalised linear mixed and spatial model. RESULTS: Outdoor-layer, turkey, duck-breeder and meat-duck, farms had a 11, 8, 24 and 13 times higher rate of introduction of LPAIv than indoor-layer farms, respectively. CONCLUSION: Differences in the rate of introduction of LPAIv could be used to (re)design a targeted risk-based surveillance programme.