Towards effective control of bovine tuberculosis in Africa: A case for public engagement in science

The present paper summarizes a presentation given at the first stakeholder meeting on bovine tuberculosis held in Addis Ababa in June 2007. Reflections refer to animal health as a whole but are particularly applicable to the case of bovine tuberculosis in Africa.Innovation in research requires open spaces to evolve. Numerous examples show us that it is often the unexpected detail, observed by a prepared mind that leads to discoveries and innovative approaches to problem solving (1). This is not disputed and remains also a principle for applied research and for development oriented projects. On the other hand we face a huge gap between increased research capacity in Africa and persistent pressing problems of poverty, disease and hunger (2). There appears to be an evident disconnection between research and development action. At least some research should reflect the actual needs of society and produce outcomes that can be applied fast. This is increasingly recognized and existing initiatives require to be assessed for their effectiveness

A One Health Framework for Estimating the Economic Costs of Zoonotic Diseases on Society

This article presents an integrated epidemiological and economic framework for assessing zoonoses using a "one health” concept. The framework allows for an understanding of the cross-sector economic impact of zoonoses using modified risk analysis and detailing a range of analytical tools. The goal of the framework is to link the analysis outputs of animal and human disease transmission models, economic impact models and evaluation of risk management options to gain improved understanding of factors affecting the adoption of risk management strategies so that investment planning includes the most promising interventions (or sets of interventions) in an integrated fashion. A more complete understanding of the costs of the disease and the costs and benefits of control measures would promote broader implementation of the most efficient and effective control measures, contributing to improved animal and human health, better livelihood outcomes for the poor and macroeconomic growt

Quantification of Diarrhea Risk Related to Wastewater Contact in Thailand

Wastewater reuse contributes to closing the nutrient recycling loop as a sustainable way of managing water resources. Bangkok has over a thousand man-made drainage and irrigation canals for such purposes. Its use for agricultural and recreational purposes has a long tradition in rural and peri-urban areas. However, the continuation of these practices is increasingly questioned since potential health risks are an issue if such practices are not appropriately managed. The microbial and chemical quality of canal water has considerably deteriorated over the last decade, mainly because of discharged, untreated domestic and industrial wastewater. It is important to understand the health risks of wastewater reuse and identify risky behaviors from the most highly exposed actors promote the safe use of wastewater. This study assessed diarrhea infection risks caused by the use of and contact with wastewater in Klong Luang municipality, a peri-urban setting in Northern Bangkok, using quantitative microbial risk assessment. Wastewater samples were collected from canals, sewers at household level, and vegetables grown in the canals for consumption. Samples were also collected from irrigation water from the agricultural fields. Two protozoa, Giardia lamblia and Entamoeba histolytica, were quantified and analyzed by real-time PCR, exposure assessment was conducted, and finally, the risk of infection due to contact with wastewater in different scenarios was calculated. The results showed that canal water and vegetables were heavily contaminated with G. lamblia and E. histolytica. Infection risk was high in tested scenarios and largely exceeded the acceptable risk given by WHO guideline

Disease Surveillance Networks Initiative Africa: Final Evaluation

The overall objective of the Foundation's Disease Surveillance Networks (DSN) Initiative is to strengthen technical capacity at the country level for disease surveillance and to bolster response to outbreaks through the sharing of technical information and expertise. It supports formalizing collaboration, information sharing and best practices among established networks as well as trans-national, interdisciplinary and multi-sectoral efforts, and is experienced in developing and fostering innovative partnerships. In order to more effectively address disease threats, the DSN has four key outcome areas:(1) forming and sustaining trans-boundary DSN;(2) strengthening and applying technical and communication skills by local experts and institutions;(3) increasing access and use of improved tools and methods on information sharing, reporting and monitoring; and(4) emphasizing One Health and transdisciplinary approaches to policy and practice at global, regional and local levels

Chapitre 30 - Recherche transdisciplinaire et One Health

Introduction One Health soulève des questions qui vont au-delà de la vision étroite des améliorations sanitaires reposant sur des interventions médicales : ses activités doivent être comprises dans un contexte de changements socio-écologiques à l’échelle locale et mondiale, où les résultats sont moins certains (Zinsstag et al., 2011b). Nous avons besoin d’un éventail de disciplines pour comprendre le contexte de la santé (Allote..

Chapitre 35 - Résumé et perspectives de l’utilisation concrète de One Health

Introduction Confrontés à la richesse fascinante des connaissances, des preuves et des orientations potentielles à suivre afin de donner corps au concept One Health, on peut se sentir dépassé, c’est pourquoi ce dernier chapitre a pour objectif de fournir une vue d’ensemble complète des implications de One Health, allant des racines au positionnement actuel sur la scène mondiale de la santé, tout en fournissant des éléments histo..

Approach to assess the economic impact of bovine tuberculosis in Ethiopia

AbstractBovine TB is prevalent in Ethiopian cattle and represents a serious zoonotic risk. However, extensive epidemiological data in the human and livestock sector are lacking. Create a dynamic transmission model of disease between animal and human, as a prerequisite for economic analysis of the most profitable intervention to control BTB in Ethiopia. Study on-going (2005-2010), epidemiological (prevalence, risk factors) and cost (human and livestock) data are collected in eight sites over a period of four years and fed into a compartmental trans-sectoral framework that simulates disease transmission. Different intervention scenarios will then be simulated in the model. The most profitable intervention to control BTB in Ethiopia has to be assessed as well as the cost sharing scheme between the public health and agricultural sectors. It has been postulated that a test and slaughter policy would have a negative economic impact in Ethiopia. Alternatives need to be assessed. [Ethiop.J.Health Dev. 2008;22(Special Issue):135-13

Owner Valuation of Rabies Vaccination of Dogs, Chad

We estimated the association between amount charged and probability that dog owners in N’Djaména, Chad, would have their dogs vaccinated against rabies. Owners would pay ≈400–700 CFA francs (US $0.78–$1.36)/animal. To vaccinate >70% of dogs, and thus interrupt rabies transmission, health officials should substantially subsidize these vaccinations