Spatial Patterns and Risk Factors of Bluetongue Virus Infection in Inner Mongolia, China

Bluetongue (BT) is a noncontagious disease affecting domestic and wild ruminants. Outbreaks of BT can cause serious economic losses. Although the causative agent, BT virus (BTV) is endemic in China, a comprehensive analysis has yet to be conducted examining the spatial distribution and risk factors of the virus throughout the Inner Mongolia province. Between June 2013 and February 2015, a total of 6199 blood samples of goats and sheep were collected from 11 leagues and cities. To investigate the distribution characteristics of BTV, spatial autocorrelation analysis, including both global and local spatial autocorrelation, was conducted. To develop a model for the association between BTV infection and specific risk factors, a multiple logistic regression analysis was performed. The global spatial autocorrelation data on the distribution of BTV exhibited a random pattern. Alashan was observed to be a cold spot for BTV infection. During the study period, no hot spots were detected. An increased risk of BTV infection in Inner Mongolia was associated with the breed and age of the animal.