National Animal Health Surveillance System Outlook
Issue 2, October 2004
The NAHSS Outlook is an electronic communication with information about the National Animal Health Surveillance System (NAHSS) that is distributed via email to all members of Veterinary Services. Contact the National Surveillance Unit to provide comments and suggestions for future topics.
Articles in This Issue:
- Creating a Common Vision for a National Animal Health Surveillance System - survey results
- Concepts in Foreign Animal Disease Surveillance
- National Animal Health Reporting System (NAHRS) Online Reporting Tool
- National Animal Health Laboratory Network (NAHLN): A Standards Based Approach for Laboratory Diagnostic Data
- National Animal Health Monitoring System (NAHMS) Poultry 2004 Study
Field Notes: NAHSS Survey Results
In July 2004, the National Surveillance Unit distributed an internal survey to assess VS staff opinions regarding the development of an integrated and coordinated national animal health surveillance system and to initiate discussions among various units about the requirements for building such a system. Specifically, the survey captured detailed information about how VS perceives the purpose, function, and goals of a national surveillance system and focused on such fundamental questions as: What is a national surveillance system? What should it do? and How do we get there? The survey ensured that the many voices within VS were included in the initial stage of crafting a common vision for the National Animal Health Surveillance System. Creating a Common Vision for a National Animal Health Surveillance System
Priorities: Concepts in Foreign Animal Disease Surveillance
Creating foreign animal disease (FAD) surveillance strategies is a top priority within VS. Probability-based surveillance - a concept presented in two recent papers - is currently being incorporated into VS' FAD surveillance plans. These papers suggest using a hierarchical scheme for the probability of FAD introduction. Risk analysis, pathway analysis, threat analysis, and modeling are key processes in establishing a baseline probability level and allow for continuous monitoring for increases in the probability of FAD introduction. Concepts in Foreign Animal Disease Surveillance
Developments: NAHRS Web-based Reporting
The National Surveillance Unit and the VS Application Information Management team have collaborated to create a Web-based online reporting tool and database for the National Animal Health Reporting System (NAHRS). The NAHRS online reporting tool will enable chief animal health officials from participating States to submit their monthly NAHRS information via a secure Web site and view past NAHRS reports submitted by their State. The reporting tool will simplify the NAHRS reporting process while ensuring the confidentiality of State-level information on the confirmed presence or absence of Office International des Epizooties LIST A and B diseases. NAHRS Online Reporting Tool
The National Animal Health Laboratory Network (NAHLN) information technology system is an evolving application that promises to be a cornerstone of animal health surveillance. Designed to connect surveillance data systems to laboratory diagnostics systems, NAHLN is a standards-based solution for electronic messaging and for coding laboratory diagnostic data for both test orders and results. National Animal Health Laboratory Network (NAHLN): A Standards Based Approach for Laboratory Diagnostic Data
Issues: NAHMS Poultry 2004 Study
The National Animal Health Monitoring System's Poultry 2004 Study is underway. The study will take an in-depth look at nontraditional poultry, such as backyard flocks and live-bird markets. Information from the study will identify research needs and provide important data about management practices, current avian diseases, and biosecurity practices. To read more about Poultry 2004 go to: www. and here www. to access the Poultry 2004 brochure. NAHMS Poultry 2004 Study