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Expanding veterinary biosurveillance in Washington, DC: The creation and utilization of an electronic-based online
Andrew Hennenfent1, Vito DelVento2, John Davies-Cole3
1CDC/CSTE Applied Epidemiology Fellowship Program, District of Columbia Department of Health, Center for Policy, Planning and Evaluation, Washington, DC, USA.
Objectives:
To enhance the early detection of emerging infectious diseases and bioterrorism events using companion animal-based surveillance.
Methods:
Washington, DC, small animal veterinary facilities (n=17) were surveyed to determine interest in conducting infectious disease surveillance. Using these results, an electronic-based online reporting system was developed and launched in August 2015 to monitor rates of canine influenza, canine leptospirosis, antibiotic resistant infections, canine parvovirus, and syndromic disease trends.
Results:
Nine of the 10 facilities that responded expressed interest conducting surveillance. In September 2015, 17 canine parvovirus cases were reported. In response, a campaign encouraging regular veterinary preventative care was launched and featured on local media platforms. Additionally, during the system's first year of operation it detected 5 canine leptospirosis cases and 2 antibiotic resistant infections. No canine influenza cases were reported and syndromic surveillance compliance varied, peaking during National Special Security Events.
Conclusions:
Small animal veterinarians and the general public are interested in companion animal disease surveillance. The system described can serve as a model for establishing similar systems to monitor disease trends of public health importance in pet populations and enhance biosurveillance capabilities.