Development of One Health-based community surveillance system to study zoonotic diseases: a study protocol

Area of Science:

• One Health
• Zoonotic Disease Epidemiology
• Public Health Surveillance

Background:

• Animals contribute significantly to infectious disease burden, posing risks to human health, especially in expanding peri-urban zones.
• Intensified human-animal-environment interfaces in peri-urban areas heighten zoonotic disease transmission risks.
• Brucellosis, leptospirosis, and scrub typhus are key zoonotic threats in these settings.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and implement a One Health-based community surveillance system in Odisha, India.
• To assess the prevalence, transmission dynamics, and risk factors of brucellosis, leptospirosis, and scrub typhus.
• To generate longitudinal data for evidence-based zoonotic disease prevention and control strategies.

Main Methods:

• Prospective mixed-methods cohort study over 3 years in two peri-urban blocks.
• Enrollment of approximately 1,293 households and 1,200 animals.
• Data collection via household surveys, serological testing (human/animal), and environmental sampling.

Main Results:

• Longitudinal insights into zoonotic disease patterns and transmission pathways.
• Identification of key environmental and behavioral risk factors.
• Development of intervention packages including BCC, WASH, vaccination, and awareness campaigns.

Conclusions:

• The study will provide crucial data for zoonotic disease prevention and early detection in low-resourced settings.
• A digital surveillance platform will enhance real-time data integration across human, animal, and environmental health sectors.
• Findings will support policy decisions and strengthen national disease surveillance programs and One Health collaboration.