Laos long-term study on zoonotic parasitic diseases in livestock: Approaches and initial challenges using a cross-sectorial approach

Parasites (including zoonoses) in livestock and fish are widely distributed in Laos and can have a significant impact as foodborne diseases and also on economy, public health and international food trade. In addition some characteristics of animal production and food consumption habits in Laos may promote zoonotic disease transmission. The objectives of this study are to assess parasitic zoonoses distribution, improve animal health, reduce animal and human health risks and develop a cross-sectorial collaboration platform and dissemination strategy. By using companion modeling (ComMod) that has been applied in the field of participatory natural resource management and the OneHealth approach our research will strongly focus on community involvement and cross-sectoral collaboration among stakeholders. Following an across discipline research team consisting of vets, public health and social scientists has been established. Moreover, a research framework has been jointly developed by team members that include quantitative (e.g. serological sampling) and also qualitative methods such as PRA and PE. Investigation and Data collection targeting three provinces of southern Laos will commence with PRA/PE in June and last until December 2015 followed by serological sampling for prioritized parasitic zoonoses in 2016. Expected outputs are the distribution for prioritized parasitic zoonosis, better knowledge and understanding on parasitic zoonoses and related risk factors, a set of feasible control options and a cross-sectoral collaboration platform. Initial challenges (e.g. identification of a common research topic) and how they were addressed will be presented apart from preliminary PRA results on diseases prioritization (livestock and humans) if timely available

Importance of parasitic foodborne diseases in rural areas of southern Laos: A long-term case study using an integrated approach

Parasites foodborne diseases (PFBD) are expected to be widely distributed in Laos and can have a significant impact on health but also on economy and livelihood. Detailed information on their distribution is lacking and risky food consumption habits exist (e.g. consumption of raw or rare meat/fish). The objectives of this ongoing study are to assess PFBD distribution and risk-related practices in 3 provinces of southern Laos (Savannakhet, Khammuane and Champasak), and establish a cross-sectorial collaboration platform which aims to develop and promote feasible control options addressing needs of affected communities and stakeholders. To facilitate and monitor community involvement and cross-sectoral collaboration among stakeholders integrated approaches such as companion modelling (ComMod) and One-Health are used synergistically. A multidisciplinary research team consisting of vets, public health, environmental, social and participatory modelling scientists has been established and jointly implemented activities using quantitative (e.g. serological sampling) and qualitative methods such as PRA and Participatory Epidemiology. Villagers had lowest PFBD knowledge while para-meds and teachers had highest. Flood or lack of irrigation were ranked highest by villagers while PFBD were never considered as important issues. Serological data on Trichinelloses and Cysticercoses in pigs are currently analysed. Policy engagement and feedback is facilitated through quarterly meetings