Risk factors for infectious bronchitis virus infection in laying flocks in three provinces of Korea: preliminary results

To analyze and identify selected risk factors for infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) infection in the growing and laying period of laying-hen flocks, a longitudinal field study was conducted with 27 commercial flocks reared in three provinces of Korea during the period from May 2003 to April 2004. Using monitored data for IBV infection status among study flocks we computed the multivariate odds ratios (ORs) and their corresponding confidence intervals (CIs), and population attributable risks (PARs). Multivariate logistic regression showed significant risk increments for: continuous entry of chick (OR=1.9, 95% CI, 0.7-69.1) and operation years of the layer house greater than or equal to 5 years (OR=3.2, 95%CI, 1.6-389.9). No significant interaction was found between variables. The PAR suggested that continuous entry of chick (PAR=32%) and ${\geq}5years$ of house operation (PAR=84%) had the highest impacts on IB presence in laying-hen flocks under study. Of the two significant factors, however, operation year of the layer house lacks an easy applicability in preventing IB control strategies, and the possibility of confounder cannot be ruled out.