Syndromic surveillance by veterinary practitioners: a pilot study in the pig sector.

Traditional indicator-based livestock surveillance has been focused on case definitions, definitive diagnoses and laboratory confirmation. The use of syndromic disease surveillance would increase the population base from which animal health data are captured and facilitate earlier detection of new and re-emerging threats to animal health. Veterinary practitioners could potentially play a vital role in such activities. In a pilot study, specialist private veterinary practitioners (PVP) working in the English pig industry were asked to collect and transfer background data and disease incident reports for pig farms visited during the study period. Baseline data from 110 pig farms were received, along with 68 disease incident reports. Reports took an average of approximately 25 minutes to complete. Feedback from the PVPs indicated that they saw value in syndromic surveillance. Maintenance of anonymity in the outputs would be essential, as would timely access for the PVPs to relevant information on syndromic trends. Further guidance and standardisation would also be required. Syndromic surveillance by PVPs is possible for the pig industry. It has potential to fill current gaps in the collection of animal health data, as long as the engagement and participation of data providers can be obtained and maintained.

Laboratory epidemiologist: skilled partner in field epidemiology and disease surveillance in Kenya.

Although for over 20 years the Field Epidemiology Training Programs (FETPs) have provided a model for building epidemiology capacity in Ministries of Health worldwide, the model does not address laboratory training and its integration with epidemiology. To overcome this, Kenya added a laboratory management component in 2004, creating the first field epidemiology and laboratory training program (FELTP) to train both medical and laboratory epidemiologists. Laboratory management and epidemiology candidates were recruited from among degree-holding scientists at the Ministry of Health and trained in both applied epidemiology and laboratory management using a combination of short courses and extensive field placements. The course generated a cohort of laboratory epidemiologists with demonstrated capacity in disease surveillance and management of outbreaks. Early indicators suggest programmatic success: the start of laboratory-based disease reporting and better laboratory involvement in outbreak responses.

Replicating success: developing a standard FETP curriculum.

Field epidemiology training programs have been successful models to address a country's needs for a skilled public health workforce, partly due to their responsiveness to the countries' unique needs. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has partnered with ministries of health to strengthen their workforce through customized competency-based training programs. While desirable, emphasis on program flexibility can result in redundancy and inconsistency. To address this challenge, the ADDIE model (analysis, design, development, implementation, and evaluation) of instructional design was used by a cross-functional team to guide completion of a standard curriculum based on 15 competencies. The standard curriculum has supported the development and expansion of programs while still allowing for adaptation. This article describes the process that was used to develop the curriculum, which, together with needs assessment and evaluation, is crucial for successful training programs.

A global network for early warning and response to infectious diseases and bioterrorism: applied epidemiology and training programs, 2001.

In many ministries of health, applied epidemiology and training programs (AETPs) are responsible for detecting and responding to acute health events, including bioterrorism. In November 2001, we assessed the bioterrorism response capacity of 29 AETPs; 17 (59%) responded. Fifteen countries (88%) had bioterrorism response plans; in 6 (40%), AETPs took the lead in preparation and in 6 (40%) they assisted. Between September 11 and November 29, 2001, 12 AETPs (71%) responded to a total of 3024 bioterrorism-related phone calls. Six programs (35%) responded to suspected bioterrorism events. AETPs play an important role in bioterrorism surveillance and response. Support for this global network by various health agencies is beneficial for all developed and developing countries.