NYC Gazette

As avian flu outbreaks continue to rise, a study by Christopher Jimenez, a DrPH candidate at SUNY Downstate, provides significant insights into tracking and assessing transmission risks within Iowa's poultry farms, a region experiencing severe outbreaks. The research, titled “Exploring Methods to Evaluate HPAI Transmission Risk in Iowa During Peak HPAI Incidence, February 2022–December 2023,” is published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health.

Jimenez introduces innovative approaches to outbreak data collection and analysis amid increasing cases of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI). His work highlights the importance of understanding disease transmission risks and improving biosecurity measures for public health preparedness. "The rise in HPAI cases underscores the urgent need for more precise and reliable outbreak tracking methods,” said Jimenez. He emphasizes that improved data collection and risk assessment frameworks are essential for containing outbreaks and mitigating their impact.

HPAI outbreaks in poultry farms result in significant economic losses, supply chain disruptions, and potential zoonotic transmission to humans. Jimenez's study identifies gaps in existing surveillance methods, focusing on environmental factors and biosecurity deficiencies that exacerbate virus spread. It aims to enhance public health interventions and containment strategies.

Lori A. Hoepner, Assistant Professor at SUNY Downstate, commended the study, highlighting its comprehensive assessment of tools for evaluating transmission risks in the U.S. She noted, “As we see a rise in HPAI cases with far-reaching public health and economic implications, this research provides a comprehensive assessment of essential tools for evaluating transmission risks in the U.S."

Iowa, a major poultry-producing state, has been a focal point for HPAI outbreaks, with millions of birds culled to prevent further spread. The study stresses the urgency for improved outbreak data collection and real-time risk assessments to protect the food supply, mitigate economic fallout, and reduce human health risks.

This research reinforces the One Health approach, acknowledging the interconnection between animal, environmental, and human health. The outlined methods in the study can be applied to other high-risk agricultural regions, aiding policymakers and scientists in preventing future outbreaks. The complete study is available to the public.

SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University in Brooklyn is part of The State University of New York (SUNY) system, focusing on health education, research, and patient care. It provides extensive healthcare services, including high-risk neonatal, pediatric nephrology, and kidney transplantation, alongside its educational programs and biotechnology initiatives.