Straw into gold: Converting field and laboratory data to information in the Western Canadian Animal Health Network

The objectives of this work were to assess if the Western Canadian Animal Health Network (WeCAHN) has been able to leverage existing data sources to provide actionable intelligence to stakeholders over the initial 5 y, and to identify potential method enhancements or directions for future surveillance activities.

This work involved beef and dairy cattle, sheep and goats, poultry, and horses. Quarterly clinical impressions surveys completed by veterinary practitioners and anonymized diagnostic laboratory data were the primary data sources used to detect signals in selected examples of 3 WeCAHN surveillance goals: i) support for the demonstration of freedom from disease, ii) identification of trends in prioritized production-limiting diseases, and iii) recognition of emerging syndromes. Data interpretation was enhanced through network discussions among veterinarians, diagnosticians, and stakeholders.

Integrating veterinary practitioner observations with laboratory data consistently supported early recognition and validation of potential animal health surveillance signals. No signals of vesicular disease compatible with foot and mouth disease were detected, and practitioner surveys documented ongoing client-awareness discussions. Increasing Johne's disease detections were identified in both practitioner surveys and laboratory data, prompting collaboration with industry stakeholders on targeted knowledge translation activities. A new syndrome of neonatal hepatic necrosis in beef calves was identified. A case definition was drafted, and recommended regional diagnostic guidelines were shared.

Assessment of WeCAHN's data synthesis demonstrated that combining practitioner, laboratory, and discussion-based interpretation effectively converted large, heterogeneous datasets into actionable regional animal health intelligence. These collaborative methods offer a foundation for enhanced future surveillance and signal detection across western Canada.