10th International Aerosol Conference September 2 - September 7, 2018 America's Center Convention Complex St. Louis, Missouri, USA
Abstract View
Foot-and-Mouth Disease Aerosols: Past and Future Perspectives
CLAIRE COLENUTT, Noel Nelson, Emma Brown, Simon Gubbins, The Pirbright Institute
Abstract Number: 323 Working Group: Infectious Bioaerosol
Abstract Foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV) is a globally important pathogen of cloven hooved animals, which can be transmitted via numerous routes. Transmission through direct contact with infected animals is the most common route of spread of FMDV, but can be prevented by implementation of control measures, such as culling and movement restrictions. The role of indirect contact and fomite transmission is less well understood and more complex to apply effective control measures.
The ability of the FMDV to be transported long distances in aerosols given appropriate epidemiological and meteorological conditions has generated interest in understanding how the virus behaves in aerosol form and how this impacts on the overall epidemiology of the disease. Using empirical data generated in experiments, airborne spread of the virus can be modelled, alongside other transmission routes, to inform surveillance efforts and control measures in the event of an outbreak.
Here, we present a summary of research into FMDV aerosols. This covers work ranging from determining patterns of excretion of airborne virus from key susceptible livestock species, to demonstrating FMDV aerosols as a viable route of transmission. Numerous air sampling devices have been trialled for use in FMDV research, although the ideal qualities of equipment vary as to the research question being approached.
Existing research has provided answers to fundamental questions, but new tools and approaches are now required to be able to probe deeper into the aerobiology of FMDV. The development of operational tools to aid surveillance efforts in the event of an outbreak is a particular goal for future work. Research into FMDV aerosols is complicated by the need to carry out all experimental work under high containment. Ideal research methods and tools would incorporate the necessary protocols for containment and rigorous disinfection of equipment.