Surveillance plan proposal for early detection of zoonotic pathogens in ruminants

Abstract

The preparatory work of research and the elaboration of a surveillance plan proposal for early detection of zoonotic pathogens was conducted between October and the second half of December 2022 according to the European Commission (EC) scientific question Art. 31 mandate M-2022-00084 -where the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has been asked to recommend sustainable surveillance options to prevent zoonosis spread through Member States. The pre-selected list of 45 pathogens provided to EFSA by the MSs for scientifical support, with the aim of subsequently postulate to funds that could improve their epidemiological surveillance was analysed. EFSA with its Animal Health Team (AH), supported by external experts, were asked to prioritize diseases according to the severity and frequency with which each disease can occur in MSs and peripheral countries. This report is related to the analyses realized with focus on ruminants that will be then included in the final EFSA's surveillance proposal to MSs. The list of zoonoses was firstly analysed and a ranking of priority diseases which see the role of ruminants as early detection species was proposed. After this first prioritization, the list was further reduced to 10 diseases according to the indications provided among all species. Each disease was then synthesised in Disease and Disease Surveillance Component Cards specifically realized for this purpose. This report presents the preliminary research and the further disease and surveillance components' cards proposal for Crimean Congo Haemorrhagic Fever, Q-Fever and Rift Valley Fever. The other diseases' cards of the 10 diseases were proposed by other external experts. For each disease card the main surveillance components identified, and the specific cards adapted accordingly, were reviewed by EFSA and the Working Group and validated to be presented to Member States competent authorities as guidance.

Coordinated surveillance system under the One Health approach for cross‐border pathogens that threaten the Union – options for sustainable surveillance strategies for priority pathogens

“…Based on the Animal Health Surveillance Reporting Guidelines 1 developed under the RISKSUR project, 2 'disease briefs' and 'surveillance cards' have been developed by contractors (Sch € upbach et al, 2023;Carminati, 2023;Nigsch, 2023). The WG reviewed and modified these where necessary.…”

Looking Beyond the Lens of Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever in Africa

“…Another challenge is certain cultural beliefs that thwart disease prevention and promote mistrust and low health literacy, which have reduced community participation and cooperation ( 26 ). Other obstacles include the lack of suitable serodiagnostic tests for extensive animal testing, the absence of clear guidance for standardized surveillance in the animal health sector, and the costs associated with implementing routine testing and surveillance ( 29 , 30 ).…”