| What is surveillance?
An ongoing monitoring system for collection, analysis, and documenation of data and the timely dissemination of resulting information to support response efforts and communication.
Why is livestock and poultry surveillance important?
Surveillance is essential for early detection of diseases important to industry and/or public health. Early detection facilitates rapid and effective response that can reduce the economic, social and animal welfare impacts of these diseases and support effective and efficient decision-making and policy.
Who does surveillance benefit?
Animal health surveillance is beneficial to anyone or anything who may be affected by livestock or poultry diseases. Early detection of a disease event can significantly reduce the impact of these diseases on the agricultural industry, animal welfare and public health.
What are Zoonoses?
The World Health Organization (WHO) defines zoonoses as: 'Any disease and/or infection which naturally "transmissible from vertebrate animals to man". It also states there are currently over 200 zoonoses described and involve all types of agents: bacteria, parasites, viruses and unconventional agents such as Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE).
How many cattle does AVSN currently have under surveillance?
As of July 2009, 30 veterinary practices partner with AVSN and submit disease and non-disease data via the Internet to the Veterinary Practice Surveillance (VPS) application. The data submitted represents approximately 1.5 million cattle, roughly 34% of the Alberta's overall herd. The number and geographic distribution of cattle under surveillance provides good coverage of most sectors of the cattle population.
What happens if AVSN detects an important disease?
AVSN will work in cooperation with private veterinarians and a team of animal disease experts to address the disease detected to ensure the issue is resolved as quickly as possible.
For any diseases detected that are listed as a Federally Reportable Disease (as outlined in the Health of Animals Act and Regulations) the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) would be contacted.
Are there other surveillance systems like AVSN?
There are several other innovative and noteworthy animal health surveillance systems worldwide, such as:
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