Analysis of global distribution of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 with geographic information system

Objective To investigate global distribution and spreading of avian influenza based on geographic information system(GIS)and surveillance data,and to provide direct and indirect evidence for prevention and early warming of the epidemic.Methods A total number of 6 439 officially confirmed cases of H5N1 outbreak reported to WHO and World Organization for Animal Health(OIE)from 2003 to 2012 were analyzed using a GIS based approach.Global Moran's I,K-function were used in the spatial analysis.Results The global pandemic of highly pathogenic avian influenza(HPAI)H5N1 began in 2003 and peaked in 2006.The most of the outbreaks were reported in Asia(60%),Europe(22%)and Africa(17%).The global distribution pattern of the disease varied within different time series and spatial scales.Conclusion Heterogeneity of spatial-temporal clustering of H5N1 outbreaks has been approved in this study.The distribution pattern of the disease has great value for early warming.Human activities and birds migration over large spatial scales may play a key role in H5N1's spreading.