Tracking domestic ducks:A novel approach for documenting poultry market chains in the context of avian influenza transmission

Agro-ecological conditions associated with the spread and persistence of highly pathogenic avian inlfuenza （HPAI） are not well understood, but the trade of live poultry is suspected to be a major pathway. Although market chains of live bird trade have been studied through indirect means including interviews and questionnaires, direct methods have not been used to identify movements of individual poultry. To bridge the knowledge gap on quantitative movement and transportation of poultry, we introduced a novel approach for applying telemetry to document domestic duck movements from source farms at Poyang Lake, China. We deployed recently developed transmitters that record Global Positioning System （GPS） locations and send them through the Groupe Spécial Mobile （GSM） cellular telephone system. For the ifrst time, we were able to track individually marked ducks from 3 to 396 km from their origin to other farms, distribution facilities, or live bird markets. Our proof of concept test showed that the use of GPS-GSM transmitters may provide di-rect, quantitative information to document the movement of poultry and reveal their market chains. Our ifndings provide an initial indication of the complexity of source-market network connectivity and highlight the great potential for future telemetry studies in poultry network analyses.

Challenges and needs for China to eliminate rabies

In China,rabies is a significant public health concern where dogs remain the main reservoir of disease transmission to humans;rabies-related mortality ranks second in the world.We compiled all published articles and official documents on rabies in China's Mainland to examine challenges and needs to eliminate rabies in the country.The Chinese authorities have identified rabies as a priority,recognized rabies control in dogs as key to control rabies in humans and required intersectoral collaborations.Efforts have been made to respond effectively to the latest re-emergence of rabies,which peaked in 2007 with>3,300 cases.Despite these outcomes and the increasing volume of publications and regulations in the recent years,our review points to some major information gaps to improve rabies control activities and envisage elimination program.An emphasis on laboratory or pathogen-associated and basic epidemiology research in the literature has contrasted with the absence of information to monitor various systems in humans and animals(e.g.quality of surveillance,response and post-exposure prophylaxis).Information is also lacking to appropriately inform policymakers(e.g.economic disease burden,impact of policies)and assist program managers(e.g.comprehensive and strategic guidance for cost-effective prevention and control activities,public education and dog population management).In conclusion,strategic planning is needed to provide a sense of direction,demonstrate feasibility of elimination in China,and develop a research agenda,addressing country’s operational needs and constraints.The planning should be a multisectoral effort.