Reflections on IDEAL: What we have learnt from a unique calf cohort study

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Epidemiology
• Livestock Health
• One Health

Background:

• The IDEAL project conducted longitudinal studies on infectious diseases in East African livestock.
• A decade after the final field visit, data generation and analysis are ongoing.
• The project's legacy is significant, with continued contributions to scientific knowledge.

Purpose of the Study:

• To reflect on the challenges and successes of the IDEAL longitudinal study.
• To highlight the ongoing value and impact of the IDEAL project's data and biobank.
• To provide recommendations for future longitudinal field studies in livestock health.

Main Methods:

• Longitudinal data collection from East African livestock.
• Sample collection for biobanking.
• Open-access database creation and dissemination.

Main Results:

• Continued data generation and analysis from archived samples.
• Establishment of an open-access database and biobank for the scientific community.
• Evidence generation supporting livestock health and disease management.

Conclusions:

• The IDEAL project demonstrates the enduring value of longitudinal studies in livestock infectious diseases.
• The open-access database and biobank are critical resources for researchers and policymakers.
• Lessons learned from IDEAL offer guidance for future large-scale field research in animal health.