Reframing transboundary animal diseases: a systems approach

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Epidemiology
• Global Animal Health
• Disease Ecology

Background:

• Transboundary animal diseases (TADs) are a major threat to animal health, food security, and economies.
• Existing research often focuses on specific pathogens, lacking a holistic view of transmission dynamics.
• Understanding TADs is crucial for preventing widespread outbreaks and economic losses.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose a conceptual framework for understanding TAD transmission.
• To synthesize literature on TADs across different movement pathways.
• To identify intervention points for TAD control.

Main Methods:

• Literature synthesis on TADs and their transmission routes.
• Development of a conceptual framework detailing transmission from source to recipient environments.
• Analysis of various transboundary movement pathways (trade, wildlife, human travel).

Main Results:

• A framework characterizing TAD transmission via managed animal environments and transboundary movement.
• Identification of key pathways including legal/unregulated trade, wildlife migration, and human travel.
• Examples illustrating the framework and highlighting intervention opportunities.

Conclusions:

• A unified framework is essential for a comprehensive understanding of TADs.
• Targeted interventions can be developed by analyzing specific transmission pathways.
• Addressing TADs requires a multi-faceted approach considering ecological and epidemiological factors.