Mapping Eastern Equine Encephalitis Virus Risk on Equestrian Trails in Florida State Parks

Equestrian trail riding is a popular recreational activity but can expose horses and riders to arboviral diseases, such as Eastern Equine Encephalitis Virus (EEEV). This study uses a geographic information system (GIS) -based risk index model to measure and map risk associated with EEEV transmission...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of park and recreation administration 2021-12, Vol.39 (4), p.170-12
Main Authors: Downs, Joni, Vaziri, Mehrdad, Lavallin, Abigail V, Miley, Kristi, Unnasch, Thomas R
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Animal diseases
Configuration management
Disease transmission
Eastern equine encephalitis
Encephalitis
Equine encephalomyelitis
Geographic information systems
Horseback riding
Horsemen and horsewomen
Horses
Parks
Recreational use
Remote sensing
Risk
Risk assessment
State parks
State vectors
Trails
Vectors
Viruses
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Summary:Equestrian trail riding is a popular recreational activity but can expose horses and riders to arboviral diseases, such as Eastern Equine Encephalitis Virus (EEEV). This study uses a geographic information system (GIS) -based risk index model to measure and map risk associated with EEEV transmission to horses on equine trails in State Parks across Florida. The risk model assesses EEEV transmission risk of individual trail locations on a continuous scale of 0.0 (no measurable risk) to 1.0 (maximal risk). Risk is evaluated based on the composition and configuration of habitat types that support vectors and hosts of the virus. The results suggest that visitors using equestrian trails in the Florida State Park System may potentially be exposed to high levels of EEEV risk during times that the virus is actively circulating. Accordingly, park management strategies are recommended for reducing transmission risk to both horses and riders in areas where risk is high.
ISSN:0735-1968
2160-6862
DOI:10.18666/JPRA-2021-10447