Detecting Livestock Diseases Early: insights from a Syndromic Surveillance workshop to inform Scotland’s national strategy

JRG Rivera Gomis, Ian Hutchinson, Gianluigi Rossi, Maria Rodrigues da Costa*, John Berezowski

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to conferencePoster

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Abstract

Introduction: Syndromic surveillance (SS), tracking nonspecific disease indicators, is invaluable for early livestock disease detection. We present findings from a workshop engaging Scottish Government (SG) advisors, British surveillance experts, and academics to devise a syndromic surveillance strategy for livestock diseases in Scotland.

Methods: Participants were invited through SG’s and EPIC’s network and convened on September 7th, 2023, in Edinburgh. Ethical approval for the workshop was obtained from the relevant institutions. The session included a brief introduction to SS and two tasks: 1) prioritising diseases by class, with a choice of 6 classes, and 2) Selecting diseases within the top 2 classes per species (cattle, sheep, pigs). Groups prioritised disease classes, offered justifications, and presented results for discussion and voting. All participants voted on final disease priorities for each species.

Results: Thirty-two participants attended. Most specialised in cattle (28), followed by sheep (23) and pigs (20). Among disease classes, disease X (a previously unknown emerging disease) ranked highest, followed by non-regulated endemic diseases, non-regulated exotic diseases, regulated diseases, non-foodborne zoonotic diseases, and foodborne diseases. Participants prioritised mostly syndromes (e.g. respiratory disease indicators, such as pneumonia) rather than diseases -among non-regulated endemic and exotic diseases classes for each species.

Discussion: Participants varied in backgrounds, some focusing on specific livestock diseases and others on overall animal health improvement. They prioritised disease syndromes detectable through laboratories, animal health schemes, and farms' datasets to address non-regulated endemic and exotic diseases. These diseases, lack effective monitoring and quick control protocols and have- significant day-to-day impacts.

Conclusion: Disease X was the primary surveillance class followed by non-regulated endemic and exotic diseases. Participants prioritised syndromes detectable in existing datasets, recognising the need for effective monitoring and rapid control measures to mitigate the day-to-day impacts of endemic diseases and prevent potential risks from emerging and exotic diseases.
Original languageEnglish
Publication statusPrint publication - 13 Nov 2024
Event17th International Symposium of Veterinary Epidemiology and Economics - Sydney, Australia
Duration: 11 Nov 202415 Nov 2024

Conference

Conference17th International Symposium of Veterinary Epidemiology and Economics
Country/TerritoryAustralia
CitySydney
Period11/11/2415/11/24

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