Spatial analysis of BSE cases inthe Netherlands

In many of the European countries affected by Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE), case clustering patterns have been observed. Most of these patterns have been interpreted in terms of heterogeneities in exposure of cattle to the BSE agent.

Here we investigate whether spatial clustering is present in the Dutch BSE case data.

Results: We have found three spatial case clusters in the Dutch BSE epidemic.

The clusters are geographically distinct and each cluster appears in different birth cohorts. When testing all birth cohorts together, only one significant cluster was detected.

The fact that we found stronger spatial clustering when using a cohort-based analysis, is consistent with the evidence that most BSE infections occur in animals less than 12 or 18 months old.

Conclusions: Significant spatial case clustering is present in the Dutch BSE epidemic. The spatial clusters of BSE cases are most likely due to time-dependent heterogeneities in exposure related to feed production.

Author: Lourens Heres, Dick J Brus and Thomas J Hagenaars
Credits/Source: BMC Veterinary Research 2008, 4:21

Published on: 2008-06-17

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