Using Social Network Analysis to analyse spreading pattern of backyard chickens in Bangkok’s boundaries in Thailand

Objectives

1. To identify the social networks of the Avian Bird Flu in rural areas in Thailand.

2. To compare and examine the pattern in the spread of Backyard Chickens in different provinces in Thailand.

Situation and Problems

        Avian influenza cannot be diagnosed by symptoms alone, but it is diagnosed by collecting a swab during the first few days of illness. Human cannot  get avian influenza from properly handled and cooked poultry and eggs. The virus can infect a wide variety of avian species and mammals. It also affect to human health. The virus was officially reported the first time in Thailand in 2004. The number of patients was increasing at that time. The lack of biosecurity in chicken farming has showed as the factor and cause in the spread of virus in Thailand.

        SNA aims to identify and analyze the pattern of spreading of Avian Bird Flu in Thailand from activities related. Therefore, it could examine the pattern of diseases and lead to intervene the spread cycle of disease from related activities and potential people who could connect disease. It would help to identify the relationship of patterns and activities. 

Action Plan

Materials and Methods:

       I decide to do the questionnaire and clarify the questions before starting the data collection. According to the researches, I boundary the scope of the network to farmers who raise chicken both farmer’s household and farmer for merchandise. They have higher possibility to infect Avian Bird Flu than others. The questionnaire would contained both open and close questions to identify the movement and all related activities that lead to Backyard Chicken. Moreover, the research could also identify the risky location and ties all related activities to connect and disconnect the risk of the spread of virus. 

Data Collection:

     Open and close questionnaires collecting from the risky areas.  The scope of sample information:

1. Farmers and cock’s owner

2. Risky Area

3. Age

Result Analysis

        SNA will help to identify the key players, which can rapidly control outbreaks. The spread of disease can be limited by removing infected nodes which will break down the network. SNA will assist the authorities to implement more effective dis-ease control measures despite restricted manpower.