The World Organisation for Animal Health and epidemiological modelling: background and objectives

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Epidemiology
• Disease Control Policy
• Mathematical Modeling in Animal Health

Background:

• Modeling is crucial for formulating effective disease control policies and managing animal diseases.
• The 2001 foot and mouth disease outbreak in the UK demonstrated the value of modeling in animal health emergencies.
• The World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) has been involved in epidemiological modeling since 2005.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the uses of modeling in disease control policy formulation.
• To explore applications of models in various aspects of animal disease management.
• To outline the OIE's involvement in epidemiological modeling and its impact.

Main Methods:

• Review of papers presented in the Scientific and Technical Review.
• Analysis of a 2007 questionnaire survey on model usage among OIE Member Countries.
• Inclusion of presentations from a 2008 epidemiological modeling workshop.

Main Results:

• The review covers different issues in model development and various types of models.
• Experience from the 2001 foot and mouth disease outbreak emphasizes appropriate model application by decision-makers.
• The OIE's engagement includes a General Session resolution and a dedicated workshop.

Conclusions:

• Epidemiological modeling is a vital tool for supporting disease control policy and animal health emergency preparedness.
• The OIE's initiatives have promoted the understanding and application of modeling among its Member Countries.
• Further development and application of models are essential for robust animal disease management.