A proposed classification of veterinary epidemiosurveillance networks.

With the signing of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade and the establishment of the World Trade Organisation, the trading environment for animal products has changed. Disease control measures can no longer be applied as trade barriers unless supported by scientific epidemiological data. In this context, it has become necessary, if not obligatory, to gain accurate and up-to-date knowledge about the epidemiological status of important infectious animal diseases. The role of veterinary epidemiosurveillance networks is therefore gaining importance. Furthermore, epidemiosurveillance contributes to the protection of animal populations from exotic or emerging diseases, as well as to the development and evaluation of disease control programmes. Despite the large diversity of surveillance networks, the authors propose a method of network classification. The criteria for classification are as follows: the type of disease being monitored (i.e., surveillance of exotic versus endemic diseases). The number of diseases concerned (i.e., focused networks versus broad-based networks). The area being covered (i.e., local, national or international networks). The population being monitored (i.e., whether the network is targeted at suspect or susceptible animals). The sampling strategy of the network (i.e., sample-based networks versus exhaustive networks). The method of collecting data (i.e., passive data collection versus active collection). The type of network management (i.e., autonomous management versus that which is integrated with other programmes). This classification is discussed and illustrated by examples published in the literature. It may aid in the future development of a grid for the evaluation of veterinary epidemiosurveillance networks.