title: Comparative evaluation of three surveillance systems for infectious equine diseases in France and implications for future synergies.
abstract: It is necessary to assess surveillance systems for infectious animal diseases to ensure they meet their objectives and provide high-quality health information. Each system is generally dedicated to one disease and often comprises various components. In many animal industries, several surveillance systems are implemented separately even if they are based on similar components. This lack of synergy may prevent optimal surveillance. The purpose of this study was to assess several surveillance systems within the same industry using the semi-quantitative OASIS method and to compare the results of the assessments in order to propose improvements, including future synergies. We have focused on the surveillance of three major equine diseases in France. We have identified the mutual and specific strengths and weaknesses of each surveillance system. Furthermore, the comparative assessment has highlighted many possible synergies that could improve the effectiveness and efficiency of surveillance as a whole, including the implementation of new joint tools or the pooling of existing teams, tools or skills. Our approach is an original application of the OASIS method, which requires minimal financial resources and is not very time-consuming. Such a comparative evaluation could conceivably be applied to other surveillance systems, other industries and other countries. This approach would be especially relevant to enhance the efficiency of surveillance activities when resources are limited.
authors.affiliation: National Institute for Agricultural Research (INRA),UR346 Epidémiologie Animale,Saint-Genès-Champanelle,France.
authors.forename: J P
authors.initials: JP
authors.lastname: Amat
authors.affiliation: ANSES,Direction of Laboratories,Lyon,France.
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Hendrikx
authors.affiliation: French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health Safety (ANSES),Dozulé Laboratory for Equine Diseases,Goustranville,France.
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Tapprest
authors.affiliation: National Institute for Agricultural Research (INRA),UR346 Epidémiologie Animale,Saint-Genès-Champanelle,France.
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Leblond
authors.affiliation: Veterinary School of Maisons-Alfort (ENVA),EpiMAI Unit ENVA-Joint Anses,Maisons-Alfort,France.
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Dufour
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D003141:Communicable Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000662:veterinary*; D062665:Epidemiological Monitoring; D005602:France / Q000453:epidemiology; D006734:Horse Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology*; D006736:Horses
keywords: Epidemiology; equine disease; surveillance; surveillance system