Hutterite Colonies Research Articles

Hemagglutination-Inhibition Antibodies and Protection against Influenza Elicited by Inactivated and Live Attenuated Vaccines in Children.

Hemagglutinin (HA)-inhibiting antibodies contribute to the immune defense against influenza infection. However, there are insufficient data on the extent of correlation between vaccine-elicited HA antibodies and protection in children against different influenza strains, particularly when comparing live attenuated influenza vaccines (LAIV) versus inactivated influenza vaccines (IIV). We measured postvaccination hemagglutination-inhibition (HAI) titers in 3-15-year-old participants of a cluster-randomized controlled trial of trivalent LAIV(3) versus IIV(3) in Canadian Hutterite colonies. We assessed HAI titers as predictors of symptomatic, reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR)-confirmed influenza over 3 influenza seasons using Cox proportional hazards regression models with vaccine type as a covariate. For each log2 unit increase in postvaccination HAI against A/H1N1 in 2013-2014, A/H3N2 2014-2015, and B/Yamagata in 2013-2014 (each the predominant circulating strain for the respective influenza season), the reduction in the risk of confirmed influenza was equal to 29.6% (95% confidence interval [CI], 17.1%-39.5%), 34.8% (95% CI, 17.2%-47.9%), and 31.8% (95% CI, 23.8%-38.5%), respectively. No reduction in the risk of influenza was observed with B/Yamagata-specific HAI titers in 2012-2013, which was dominated by a mixture of Yamagata and Victoria strains. Despite the overall lower HAI titers in the LAIV3 group, both H1N1 and H3N2 HAI titers were associated with protection against subtype matched influenza. Both LAIV3- and IIV3-elicited HA antibodies are associated with protection against influenza infection in seasons when the vaccine strains match the circulating influenza strain subtypes, supporting the use of HAI as a correlate of protection for both vaccine types in children.

Hutterite colonies and canopy cover: A remotely sensed analysis of the effects of cultural-religious beliefs on the treed landscape

Located across the extent of the Canadian Prairies, the Hutterisch-speaking Hutterites are comprised of four groups or kinships: the Lehrerleut, Dariusleut, Schmiedeleut-1, and Schmiedeleut-2. Previous case studies with limited sample sizes have highlighted how the use of trees across the landscaped communities, including for aesthetic and agroforestry objectives, differs between the four kinships. Using photo-interpretive analysis of stratified samples using remotely sensed imagery, this study examines canopy cover and the spatial distribution and composition of trees within 100 Hutterite colonies in Canada, testing the conclusions of the prior limited-sample size case studies. The results illustrate that canopy cover around built infrastructure and aesthetic use of trees significantly differs between kinships and that a higher canopy cover is more common amongst the Schmiedeleut colonies, consistent with prior studies. The canopy cover extent also differed significantly between different ecological areas; however, this correlation is confounded by the historical immigration patterns and distinct economic ventures of the kinships. The canopy cover extent can also be traced back through the parental linkages, which shows significant differences between parental origins. This research helps add to discourse surrounding the influence of ethnocultural values on landscaping preferences at a large scale and provides both quantitative and qualitative remotely sensed methods for socio-ecological studies with the potential to complement ethnographic interviews and surveys.

A Geography of the Hutterites in North America by Simon M. Evans

Reviewed by: A Geography of the Hutterites in North America by Simon M. Evans Devin C. Manzullo-Thomas Simon M. Evans, A Geography of the Hutterites in North America. Lincoln: University of Nebraska Press, 2021. 346 pp. $65.00 (cloth). The late Simon Evans's A Geography of Hutterites in North America makes a valuable contribution to our understanding of this distinctive ethnoreligious group and its impact on the Midwest and Great Plains. It does so by moving beyond past studies, many of which have focused on religious beliefs and practices, to focus on the geography of Hutterite settlements. Among other benefits, this approach allows Evans to link developments within this small, somewhat obscure community—developments such as diffusion, expansion, and economic diversification—to broader themes and scholarly conversations, including discourses of particular interest to readers of this journal. The book is divided into two sections. The first section (chapters 1–6) offers a comprehensive geographical history of Hutterite settlement patterns from the group's European origins, migration to North America, and later distribution and resettlement across Canada and the U.S. Generally speaking, these chapters rely heavily on the standard secondary literature, especially studies of Hutterite history and religious practice such as John A. Hostetler's Hutterite Society (1974) and Rod Janzen and Max Stanton's The Hutterites in North America (2010). The exception to this rule is chapter six, which explores a period of time (1981–2015) during which the number of Hutterite colonies in North America doubled, largely as a result of colony division. This chapter draws upon extensive demographic data about Hutterite diffusion and resettlement digitized by Peter Peller, a librarian and geographic information systems specialist at the University of Calgary, in order to explore contemporary challenges to, as well as the persistence of, the "Hutterite way" during the community's recent history. The second section (chapters 7–11) focuses on a constellation of issues arising from contemporary geographic settlement and diffusion patterns among North American Hutterites. Chapters seven and eight examine the internal demographic and external political and cultural pressures that govern Hutterite diffusion in the United States and Canada. Chapter nine explores the "cultural landscapes" that have developed as a result of Hutterite colonies, and chapters ten and eleven offer an analysis of the economic transformations and other "adaptive strategies" that Hutterites have employed in order to maintain their way of life. It should be noted that all [End Page 202] of these chapters appeared previously as entries in edited collections or as standalone journal articles, either authored or co-authored by Evans, in a range of scholarly publications, such as Agricultural Studies, Great Plains Quarterly, and Journal of Amish and Plain Anabaptist Studies. The benefit of A Geography of the Hutterites in North America, then, is in aggregating Evans's recent scholarship in one easily accessible volume. For readers of Middle West Review, Evans's work will be most valuable insofar as it connects to broader themes and scholarly conversations about the Midwest and Great Plains. For example, Evans is attentive to the ways that Hutterites—historically an agricultural community—have adapted in recent years to changes in the farming economy. While they continue to have a significant impact as farmers, especially in the Canadian province of Alberta (Evans's extensive treatment of Hutterites' contributions to Alberta's farm economy is explored in chapter ten), the author demonstrates that Hutterite colonies "are devoting more attention to, and generating greater returns from, nonfarm activities" such as "manufacturing, including metal buildings and extruded sheet metal, print shops, chemical injection sales and service, kitchen equipment, signage, heat pumps, truck boxes, plastics, ventilation products, and windows and doors" (102). This transformation is especially true among Hutterite colonies in South Dakota (219ff). While Evans is particularly interested in the ways that these changes relate to Hutterites' ability to maintain their distinctive way of life, scholars interested in the impacts of mechanization and globalization on the Midwest and Great Plains regions, as well as those interested in the history of manufacturing in these regions, would nevertheless benefit from Evans's analysis. Similarly, Evans's treatment of Hutterite colony growth since the 1980s will be of interest to scholars who...

Adjuvant-attenuated symptom severity of influenza infections in vaccinated children

BackgroundYoung children are at high risk for developing complications of influenza, as well as severe clinical presentation of disease. Vaccination provides direct protection and reduces symptom severity in breakthrough infections. We assessed whether adjuvanted trivalent seasonal influenza vaccine is associated with symptom severity in children who developed laboratory-confirmed influenza, as compared to children who received quadrivalent inactivated influenza. MethodsA cluster randomized controlled trial of influenza vaccines in Canadian Hutterite colonies was conducted from the 2016–2017 to the 2018–2019 influenza season. Children were vaccinated with either quadrivalent inactivated influenza vaccine (QIV), or the MF59 adjuvanted trivalent influenza vaccine (aTIV). We assessed children who developed PCR-confirmed influenza infection for symptom severity outcomes using multivariable generalized negative binomial regression. ResultsAmong vaccinated children, 49 infections were observed across 1779 person-days. Vaccine formulation (aTIV vs QIV) was not significantly associated with composite symptom outcomes, including total number of symptoms or total duration of symptom presentation (p > 0.05 for all outcomes). Receipt of aTIV vaccination was significantly associated with attenuation of fever, with an estimated 74% reduction in fever severity. In influenza A type infections, adjuvanted vaccination was significantly associated with reduced systemic symptoms (incidence rate ratios: 0.16, 95% confidence intervals: 0.03, 0.64, p = 0.01). No associations were observed between vaccine formulation and symptom severity in influenza B infections. ConclusionsIn vaccinated children who develop an influenza infection, vaccine formulation was associated with attenuated fever severity, leading to reduced systemic symptoms. In influenza A infections, adjuvanted vaccination was significantly associated with reduced systemic symptoms. ConclusionsClinical Trials Registry: NCT02871206

Western Canadian dairy farmers' perspectives on the provision of outdoor access for dairy cows and on the perceptions of other stakeholders

The provision of pasture and outdoor access for dairy cattle differs around the globe. For example, in Ireland, New Zealand, and Australia, dairy farms are largely pasture based, whereas dairy farms in the United States and Canada are largely confinement based. There is a high level of public support for pasture and outdoor access for dairy cows, and the available evidence shows that dairy cattle are highly motivated to access pasture, especially at night. The decision as to whether to provide outdoor access is typically made by farmers, but little is known about dairy farmers' perspectives on this topic. We investigated perspectives of Western Canadian dairy farmers on outdoor access, as well as how they believe different stakeholders (i.e., the dairy industry, the dairy cows, and the general public) regard outdoor access for dairy cows. Data were collected via (1) 11 focus group discussions with a total of 50 Western Canadian dairy farmers, and (2) semi-structured individual interviews with an additional 6 dairy farmers of Hutterite colonies. Data were analyzed using template analysis. Although most participants in this study did not provide outdoor access on their farms, or only provided outdoor access to certain cow groups, participants generally mentioned that they enjoyed seeing cows on pasture or outdoors. However, participants shared that the Canadian supply management system (including processors) required a consistent flow of production, which was thought to be easier and more economically realized with indoor housing of lactating cows. Participants believed that pasture or outdoor access for dairy cows was desired by the public. Some participants believed that dairy cows prefer to spend time outside under favorable weather conditions, but others felt that cows preferred to stay indoors in modern, ventilated freestall barns. The results of this study describe the perspectives of dairy farmers regarding the views of dairy industry stakeholders as they relate to outdoor access, helping to inform conversations around the provision of outdoor access for dairy cattle.

Adjuvanted trivalent influenza vaccine versus quadrivalent inactivated influenza vaccine in Hutterite Children: A randomized clinical trial

BackgroundChildren play an important role in the transmission of influenza. The best choice of vaccine to achieve both direct and indirect protection is uncertain. The objective of the study was to test whether vaccinating children with MF59 adjuvanted trivalent influenza vaccine (aTIV) can reduce influenza in children and their extended households compared to inactivated quadrivalent vaccine (QIV). MethodsWe conducted a cluster randomized trial in 42 Hutterite colonies in Alberta and Saskatchewan. Colonies were randomized such that children were assigned in a blinded manner to receive aTIV (0.25 ml of pediatric aTIV for ages 6 months to < 36 months or 0.5 ml for ages ≥ 36 months to 6 years) or 0.5 ml of QIV. Participants included 424 children aged 6 months to 6 years who received the study vaccine and 1246 family cluster members who did not receive the study vaccine. The primary outcome was confirmed influenza A and B infection using a real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assay. An intent to treat analysis was used. Data were collected from January 2017 to June 2019. ResultsThe mean percentage of children who received study vaccine was 62% for aTIV colonies and 74% for QIV colonies. There were 66 (3.4%) with RT-PCR confirmed influenza A and B in the aTIV colonies (children and family clusters) versus 93 (4.4%) in the QIV colonies, hazard ratio (HR) 0.78 (95 %CI 0.36–1.71). Of these, 48 (2.5%) in the aTIV colonies and 76 (3.6%) in the QIV colonies had influenza A, HR 0.69, (95 %CI 0.29–1.66) while 18 (0.9%) and 17 (0.8%) in the aTIV versus QIV colonies respectively had influenza B, HR 1.22, (95 %CI 0.20–7.41). In children who received study vaccine, there were 5 Influenza A infections in the aTIV colonies (1.1%) compared to 30 (5.8%) in the QIV colonies, relative efficacy of 80%, HR 0.20, (95 %CI 0.06–0.66). Adverse events were significantly more common among children who received aTIV. No serious vaccine adverse events were reported. ConclusionVaccinating children with aTIV compared to QIV resulted in similar community RT-PCR confirmed influenza illness and led to significant protection against influenza A in children.

Effect of inactivated influenza vaccination on human coronavirus infection: Secondary analysis of a randomized trial in Hutterite colonies

BackgroundAlthough influenza vaccines provide protection against influenza viruses, concern has been raised that they may increase susceptibility to non-influenza respiratory viruses. As pandemic lockdowns end, temporal overlap of circulation of seasonal influenza viruses and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is expected. Understanding the impact of influenza vaccination on risk of coronavirus infection is therefore of considerable public health importance. MethodsWe performed a secondary analysis of a randomized trial where children and adolescents in Canadian Hutterite colonies were randomly assigned by colony to receive the 2008–2009 seasonal inactivated trivalent influenza vaccine (TIV) or a control hepatitis A (HepA) vaccine. All 3273 colony members (vaccinated children and nonvaccine recipients) were followed for the primary outcome of RT-PCR confirmed seasonal coronavirus infection. Serum collected pre- and post-vaccination was analyzed for titers of IgG antibodies towards human coronaviruses (HCoV). ResultsThe incidence of coronavirus infection was 0·18/1000 person-days in the colonies that received TIV vs 0.36/1000 person-days in the control group, hazard ratio (HR) 0.49 [0.21–1.17]. The risk reduction among non-vaccine recipients in the TIV group compared to the control group was HR 0.55 [0.24–1.23]. There was an increase in the geometric mean fold change of HCoV-OC43 antibody titers following TIV compared to HepA vaccine (mean difference 1.2 [0.38–2.06], p = 0.007), and an increase in geometric mean HCoV-NL63 antibody titers post-TIV (262.9 vs 342.9, p = 0.03). ConclusionThe influenza vaccine does not increase the risk of a coronavirus infection. Instead, the influenza vaccine may reduce the rate of coronavirus infections by inducing cross-reactive anti-coronavirus IgG antibodies.

Perspectives of Western Canadian dairy farmers on providing outdoor access for dairy cows

Dairy cows are highly motivated to access pasture, especially at night in summer. When pasture is not available, dairy cows show a partial preference for alternative types of outdoor access, spending half the night outside in summer on an outdoor sand or wood chip pack. However, many dairy farms do not provide cows outside access. To better understand reasons why dairy farmers choose to provide or not provide outdoor access, we studied the perspectives of dairy farmers located in the 4 Western Canadian provinces: British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba. Data were collected via (1) 11 focus group discussions with a total of 50 Western Canadian dairy farmers, and (2) semi-structured individual interviews with 6 dairy farmers of Hutterite colonies. Transcripts were analyzed using template analysis. Reasons to not provide outdoor access fell into 5 main themes: (1) adverse climate conditions, (2) negative implications of outdoor access for cow welfare including concerns about udder health, (3) concerns regarding decreases in profitability, (4) farm infrastructure not set up for outdoor access, and (5) higher ability to manage animals kept indoors. Reasons to provide outdoor access fell into the 5 main themes: (1) local climate conditions conducive for outdoor access, (2) beneficial effects of outdoor access on cow welfare including lower lameness prevalence, (3) increased profitability due to a premium milk price provided to farmers that allow pasture access to their cows, (4) farm infrastructure that is set up for outdoor access, and (5) easier management of animals outdoors. We conclude that the decision to provide outdoor access depends on how farmers weigh these factors given the constraints on their farm, as well as their personal beliefs and values.

Effect of seasonal influenza vaccination on influenza symptom severity among children in Hutterite communities: Follow-up study of a randomized trial.

BackgroundWe investigated whether influenza vaccination reduces symptom severity among children who develop laboratory‐confirmed influenza, and whether this association differed between influenza vaccine formulations.MethodsWe performed a retrospective cohort study using data from two blinded cluster randomized control trials of influenza vaccines in Hutterite colonies. In trial 1, children received trivalent inactivated influenza vaccine (TIV) or hepatitis A vaccine. In trial 2, children received trivalent live attenuated (TLAIV) or TIV. We assessed four outcomes (total number of symptoms, number of respiratory symptoms, number of systemic symptoms, and duration of symptoms) among children with PCR‐confirmed influenza. We utilized two‐sample t tests to quantify the relationship between vaccine group and outcome. We performed multivariable strain‐specific analyses, controlling for age and season.Results TIV vs. Hep A vaccine: Among vaccinated children, 200 confirmed influenza infections were observed across 3014 person‐seasons. Vaccine type (TIV vs. Hep A vaccine) did not significantly affect the number of respiratory or systemic symptoms, nor duration of symptoms (P > .05). TLAIV vs. TIV: Among 1186 children who received a study vaccine, 166 confirmed influenza infections were observed. TLAIV recipients experienced fewer total, respiratory, and systemic symptoms compared to TIV recipients (P < .05 for all). TLAIV‐associated attenuation of symptom severity was observed in influenza B or A/H1N1 infections, but not H3.ConclusionsSeasonal influenza vaccine did not consistently attenuate symptom severity in the context of vaccine failure; however, TLAIV offered superior severity attenuation compared to TIV. Our results challenge the dictum that influenza vaccine reduces the severity of symptoms even when the vaccine fails to prevent influenza.

Mapping an Ethnic Isolate: The Diffusion of Hutterite Colonies across the Prairies and Northern Great Plains

Mapping an Ethnic Isolate: The Diffusion of Hutterite Colonies across the Prairies and Northern Great Plains

Looking in the Other Direction: An Ethnographic Analysis of How Family Businesses Can Be Operated to Enhance Familial Well-Being

While much family business research has examined how family ownership affects businesses, this paper raises a question consistent with enquiries in the latter direction: How can family firms be operated to enhance the well-being of owning families and their members? We address this question by analyzing ethnographic data collected from an “extreme case” of both family enterprising and familial well-being: Hutterite colonies in Western Canada. Our findings suggest three enterprise-level strategies and three task-level practices that strengthen family member satisfaction and family system effectiveness.

"If It Helps, It's Worth a Try": an Investigation of Perceptions and Attitudes about Genetic Counseling among Southern Manitoba Hutterites.

Few studies have explored the public's views of genetic counseling services, and even fewer focus on founder populations with high prevalence of genetic disease, such as Hutterites. The Hutterites are an Anabaptist religious group grounded in a strong Christian faith. The primary aim of this study was to assess Hutterites' views of genetic counseling services. A secondary aim was to compare their views to those obtained in a study of rural Midwestern U.S. residents (Riesgraf et al., Journal of Genetic Counseling, 24(4), 565-579, 2015). One-hundred eleven individuals from southern Manitoba Hutterite colonies completed an anonymous survey assessing familiarity with and attitudes about genetic counseling; perceptions of its purpose, scope and practice; and willingness to use genetic counseling services. Although many respondents were not familiar with genetic counseling, most had accurate perceptions and positive attitudes. For instance, mean ratings showed endorsement of trust in information provided by genetic counselors and agreement that genetic counseling aligns with their values. Logistic regression indicated reported willingness to use genetic counseling services increased if respondents: had a higher self-rated familiarity with genetic counseling; were younger; agreed with the statement: I would trust the information provided by a genetic counselor; and disagreed with the statements: Genetic counseling is only useful for a small group of people with rare diseases, and Genetic counselors help expectant parents choose the eye color of their child. Thematic analysis of comments regarding willingness to use genetic counseling services yielded themes of personal/family risk, pragmatism (genetic counseling is sensible and practical for managing health concerns), and desire to prevent genetic conditions in the Hutterite population. Comparison of the present findings to those of Riesgraf et al. suggests predictors of Hutterites' willingness to use genetic counseling are unique and culturally-based. Limited replication of Riesgraf et al. was achieved. Additional findings, practice implications and research recommendations are presented.

Predictors of influenza a molecular viral shedding in Hutterite communities.

BackgroundPatterns of influenza molecular viral shedding following influenza infection have been well established; predictors of viral shedding however remain uncertain.ObjectivesWe sought to determine factors associated with peak molecular viral load, duration of shedding, and viral area under the curve (AUC) in children and adult Hutterite colony members with laboratory‐confirmed influenza.MethodsA cohort study was conducted in Hutterite colonies in Alberta, Canada. Flocked nasal swabs were collected during three influenza seasons (2007‐2008 to 2009‐2010) from both symptomatic and asymptomatic individuals infected with influenza. Samples were tested by real‐time reverse‐transcription polymerase chain reaction for influenza A and influenza B, and the viral load was determined for influenza A‐positive samples.ResultsFor seasonal H1N1, younger age was associated with a larger AUC, female sex was associated with decreased peak viral load and reduced viral shedding duration, while the presence of comorbidity was associated with increased peak viral load. For H3N2, younger age was associated with increased peak viral load and increased AUC. For pandemic H1N1, younger age was associated with increased peak viral load and increased viral AUC, female sex was associated with reduced peak viral load, while inapparent infection was associated with reduced peak viral load, reduced viral shedding duration, and reduced viral AUC.ConclusionsPatterns of molecular viral shedding vary by age, sex, comorbidity, and the presence of symptoms. Predictor variables vary by influenza A subtype.

Effect of Influenza Vaccination of Children on Infection Rate in Hutterite Communities: Follow-Up Study of a Randomized Trial.

BackgroundAn earlier cluster randomized controlled trial (RCT) of Hutterite colonies had shown that if more than 80% of children and adolescents were immunized with influenza vaccine there was a statistically significant reduction in laboratory-confirmed influenza among all unimmunized community members. We assessed the impact of this intervention for two additional influenza seasonal periods.MethodsFollow-up data for two influenza seasonal periods of a cluster randomized trial involving 1053 Canadian children and adolescents aged 36 months to 15 years in Season 2 and 1014 in Season 3 who received the study vaccine, and 2805 community members in Season 2 and 2840 in Season 3 who did not receive the study vaccine. Follow-up for Season 2 began November 18, 2009 and ended April 25, 2010 while Season 3 extended from December 6, 2010 and ended May 27, 2011. Children were randomly assigned in a blinded manner according to community membership to receive either inactivated trivalent influenza vaccine or hepatitis A. The primary outcome was confirmed influenza A and B infection using RT-PCR assay. Due to the outbreak of 2009 H1N1 pandemic, data in Season 2 were excluded for analysis.ResultsFor an analysis of the combined Season 1 and Season 3 data, among non-recipients (i.e., participants who did not receive study vaccines), 66 of the 2794 (2.4%) participants in the influenza vaccine colonies and 121 of the 2301 (5.3%) participants in the hepatitis A colonies had influenza confirmed by RT-PCR, for a protective effectiveness of 60% (95% CI, 6% to 83%; P = 0.04); among all study participants (i.e., including both those who received study vaccine and those who did not), 125 of the 3806 (3.3%) in the influenza vaccine colonies and 239 of the 3243 (7.4%) in the hepatitis A colonies had influenza confirmed by RT-PCR, for a protective effectiveness of 63% (95% CI, 5% to 85%; P = 0.04).ConclusionImmunizing children and adolescents with inactivated influenza vaccine can offer a protective effect among unimmunized community members for influenza A and B together when considered over multiple years of seasonal influenza.Trial RegistrationClinicaltrials.gov NCT00877396

Live Attenuated Flu Vaccine Offers No Extra Community Benefit

Intranasal live attenuated influenza vaccine has been more immunogenic than intramuscular inactivated vaccine among children in clinical trials. This finding has led to the assumption that the live vaccine also should be a more powerful inducer of herd immunity. Canadian researchers studied the community-wide performance of both vaccines in 52 rural Hutterite colonies — tiny religious settlements composed …

Live Attenuated Versus Inactivated Influenza Vaccine in Hutterite Children

Whether vaccinating children with intranasal live attenuated influenza vaccine (LAIV) is more effective than inactivated influenza vaccine (IIV) in providing both direct protection in vaccinated persons and herd protection in unvaccinated persons is uncertain. Hutterite colonies, where members live in close-knit, small rural communities in which influenza virus infection regularly occurs, offer an opportunity to address this question. To determine whether vaccinating children and adolescents with LAIV provides better community protection than IIV. A cluster randomized blinded trial conducted between October 2012 and May 2015 over 3 influenza seasons. (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT01653015). 52 Hutterite colonies in Alberta and Saskatchewan, Canada. 1186 Canadian children and adolescents aged 36 months to 15 years who received the study vaccine and 3425 community members who did not. Children were randomly assigned according to community in a blinded manner to receive standard dosing of either trivalent LAIV or trivalent IIV. The primary outcome was reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction-confirmed influenza A or B virus in all participants (vaccinated children and persons who did not receive the study vaccine). Mean vaccine coverage among children in the LAIV group was 76.9% versus 72.3% in the IIV group. Influenza virus infection occurred at a rate of 5.3% (295 of 5560 person-years) in the LAIV group versus 5.2% (304 of 5810 person-years) in the IIV group. The hazard ratio comparing LAIV with IIV for influenza A or B virus was 1.03 (95% CI, 0.85 to 1.24). The study was conducted in Hutterite communities, which may limit generalizability. Immunizing children with LAIV does not provide better community protection against influenza than IIV. The Canadian Institutes for Health Research.

Hutterite Colonies and the Cultural Landscape: An Inventory of Selected Site Characteristics

Hutterite Colonies and the Cultural Landscape: An Inventory of Selected Site Characteristics

Migration and survival of the Hutterite Brethren in Central Europe

While the Anabaptist movement was still fluid in the early 1520s, it soon crystallized into factions with sharp differences. Although the Moravian Anabaptists never succeeded in creating common doctrines and practices, the Central and East European experience was not merely a marginal part of the great Anabaptist story. Out of these divergent tendencies grew a strong sect that survived exile through a radical social experiment. Hutterite colonies, settled in a hostile environment, flourished for a long period while other sects disappeared within a few years. The factors that determined the advance and survival of the Hutterites point beyond religious motives. This social experiment was dependent on the integrated social structure enabling them to cope with an aggressive environment without assimilating. Various epochs of the Hutterite history show that communal life was never a uniform and perfect experience, but variants of the structure persisted in the colonies as they evolved in their local circumstances.

Some Factors Shaping the Expansion of Hutterite Colonies in Alberta Since the Repeal of the Communal Property Act in 1973

The Hutterites are a religious sect, an ethnic group, and a communal brotherhood. Since their arrival in North America in 1874, they have resisted assimilation and held onto their language, their schools and socialization processes, their clothing and their lifestyle. Two clan groups of Hutterites relocated to Alberta in 1918. During and after World War Two, the freedom of these Hutterites to buy land on which to establish new colonies was curtailed by legislation. It was not until 1973 that the incoming Lougheed government repealed the Communal Property Act. This paper describes Hutterite expansion during the past thirty-five years and examines the changing context in which their locational decisions have been made. First, the attitudes of the main "actors" - the government, the Hutterites and the people of Alberta - are evaluated, and then some of the issues that have remained contentious are examined. Les Huttérites sont une secte religieuse, un groupe ethnique et une fraternité communale. Depuis leur arrivée en Amérique du Nord en 1874, ils ont résisté à toute assimilation et gardé leur langue, leurs écoles et leurs processus de socialisation, leur mode vestimentaire et leur style de vie. Deux groupes de clans huttérites se sont relocalisés en Alberta en 1918. Pendant et après la Seconde Guerre mondiale, leur liberté d'acquérir des terres sur lesquelles établir de nouvelles colonies a été limitée par la législation. Ce n'est pas avant 1970 que le nouveau gouvernement Lougheed a rescindé le Loi sur la propriété communale. Dans cet article, nous décrivons l'expansion des Huttérites au cours des trente-cinq dernières années et nous examinons les changement du contexte dans lequel leurs décisions de localisation ont été prises. Nous évaluons d'abord les attitudes des principaux «acteurs» - le gouvernement, les Huttérites et la population albertaine -, et nous nous penchons ensuite sur quelques uns des problèmes qui sont restés un objet de contention.

Longitudinal Study of Influenza Molecular Viral Shedding in Hutterite Communities

The nature of influenza viral shedding during naturally acquired infection is not well understood. A cohort study was conducted in Hutterite colonies in Alberta, Canada. Flocked nasal swabs were collected during 3 influenza seasons (2007-2008 to 2009-2010) from both symptomatic and asymptomatic individuals infected with influenza. Samples were tested by real-time reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction for influenza A and influenza B, and the viral load (VL) was determined for influenza A positive samples. Eight hundred thirty-nine participants were included in the cohort; 25% (208) tested positive for influenza viruses. They experienced 238 episodes of viral shedding, of which 23 (10%) were not accompanied by symptoms. For seasonal and pandemic H1N1, VL peaked at or before onset of acute respiratory infection. For H3N2, VL peaked 2 days after the onset of acute respiratory infection, which corresponded to peaks in systemic and respiratory symptom scores. Although the duration of shedding was shorter for asymptomatic participants, the peak level of VL shedding was similar to that of symptomatic participants. Viral loads for children and adults revealed similar patterns. Molecular viral shedding values follow symptom scores, but timing of peak VL varies by subtype. Asymptomatic infections are infrequent.