12:30-12:45
Surveillance of Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) in Pig and Chicken in Viet Nam
| Presenter | : | Pawin Padungtod |
| Abstract ID | : | A019 |
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a multi-dimensional threat to public health and to the overall sustainable economic development of the country. AMR is a growing human and economic threat in Viet Nam with the increased and uncontrolled use of antimicrobials in human health as well as in livestock and fish production aimed at growth promotion, disease prevention and control. The Government of Viet Nam’s Department of Animal Health (DAH), in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and Oxford University Clinical Research Unit (OUCRU), implemented a surveillance system with the goal to provide an unbiased assessment of the levels of AMR in pig and chicken production in Viet Nam. The surveillance system focused on pig and chicken production with samples collected from abattoirs or slaughter points. The principles around the sampling scheme are based on randomisation of sampling in relation to each production type. OUCRU provided training to staff of the National Centre for Veterinary Hygiene and Inspection (NCVHI) on bacterial isolation and AMR testing, and to relevant NCVHI/SDAH staff on field sampling. The standard operation protocols (SOP) for laboratory testing developed based on the training and pilot surveillance in Hanoi have been approved by DAH. A total of seven pig slaughterhouse and seven chicken slaughter points in Hanoi, Hai Phong, Quang Ninh, Long An and Ho Chi Minh City were selected based on average number of animals processed per day. In each slaughter house, the surveillance team collected 2 swabs from each of the 25 randomly selected animals. Isolation, identification of E.coli, non-typhoidal Salmonella (NTS) and susceptibility testing using disk diffusion assay were performed according to Protocol established by DAH – Vietnam FAO for National Antimicrobial Resistance Surveillance Program in Livestock (September 2017).
Poster Slot
A01
12:30-12:45
Networks of Communication During the Multi-Organizational Response to the January 2017 H5N8 Zoonotic Disease Outbreak in Uganda. Improving coordination of response to disease outbreaks in resource limited settings. By; Steven Ssendagire, Makerere University School of Public Health/Ministry of Health-Uganda
| Presenter | : | Steven Ssendagire |
| Abstract ID | : | A017 |
Introduction:
When several organizations are responding to the same disease outbreak, their activities are more effective when implemented collaboratively. Common to all these collaborative activities is communication. The effectiveness of a multi-organizational response to disease outbreaks is therefore associated with the quality of communication during the response. Better communication between responding organizations improves overall effectiveness of response to disease outbreaks. In Uganda, the quality of communication during multi-organizational responses to disease outbreaks has never been evaluated. Therefore, the current gaps and opportunities for improving communication during multi-organizational responses to disease outbreaks in Uganda are not known.
Objectives:
The general objective is to improve communication during multi-organizational responses to disease outbreaks in resource limited settings. The communication network during the multi-organizational response to the January 2017 HPAI outbreak in Uganda will be visualized, quality of the network determined and gaps/opportunities for improving communication during future multi-organizational responses to disease outbreaks in Uganda identified.
Methods and analysis:
IDIs with consenting respondents from every organization that participated in the 2017 HPAI outbreak response were conducted. Respondents were sampled by snow balling until practical saturation. Ethical approval was sought from MakSPH IRB and UNCST. Data is being analyzed by Social Network Analysis (SNA) and Content Analysis.
Results:
Formal and emergent networks of communication will be visualized. SNA metrics will be used as indicators of quality of communication. SNA findings will be triangulated with thematic quotes. Findings will be shared with MoH and its IPs. Findings will also be shared with other stakeholders through conferences and publication of manuscripts in peer reviewed journals.
Recommendations:
Policy and practice recommendations to improve communication during multi-organizational responses to disease outbreaks will be made and communicated to the respective stakeholders. Several engagement platforms within the MoH and its IPs will be used to facilitate implementation of the study recommendations.
Poster Slot
B01
12:30-12:45
Poster Slot
C01
12:30-12:45
Building Resilience to Emerging Infectious Diseases: Political and Governance Lessons from Eradicating Polio
| Presenter | : | Stephen Matlin |
| Abstract ID | : | A070 |
The Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) has been the longest, largest, most complex and expensive global health initiative in history. With eradication imminent, we have been undertaking a case study of political and governance aspects. The lessons from the polio eradication effort offer substantial opportunities for learning, concerning how to prepare for and respond to emerging infectious diseases. These include insights into:
• the relative merits of parallel versus integrated programming from a variety of perspectives, including how to create and sustain strong political will, resource allocation and effective governance mechanisms;
• the effectiveness of complex governance structures such as that of the GPEI, bridging governmental and non-governmental partners; and the value of monitoring, oversight and governance components such as the Independent Monitoring Board (IMB) and partners' structures (e.g. Polio Oversight Board, Polio Partners’ Group);
• the value and limitations of the International Health Regulations and declaration of a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC);
• the need for resilience and containment and the political and strategic challenges in maintaining these critical capacities when the disease itself is not a present, visible threat;
• the importance of early establishment of policies and strategic plans for exit from infectious disease control programmes and for the transitioning of capacities from dedicated programmes to country-based integrated systems;
• the value of learning from experience in disease control and eradication programmes.
Lessons will be emphasized that relate to country-level action and to regional and global actors. The importance of linkage of specific, infectious disease-focused initiatives to wider global health objectives (such as routine immunization, universal health coverage and the Global Health Security Agenda) will be stressed.
Poster Slot
D01
12:30-12:45
Strengthening Preparedness to Arbovirus Infections in Mediterranean and Black Sea Countries: The Medilabsecure Effort towards the Integrated Surveillance in the Context of One Health Strategy.
| Presenter | : | Maria Grazia Dente |
| Abstract ID | : | A242 |
Maria Grazia DENTE1, Flavia RICCARDO1 , Francesco BOLICI2and Silvia DECLICH1 on behalf of the MeSa Working Group
1: Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Roma- Italy
2: University of Cassino, Italy
MediLabSecure network (http://www.medilabsecure.com/project.html), established in 2014 following the EpiSouth Projects (http://www.episouthnetwork.org/), comprises 55 laboratories and 19 public health institutions in 19 non-EU countries in the Mediterranean and Black Sea regions (Albania, Algeria, Armenia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Egypt, Georgia, Jordan, Kosovo, Lebanon, Libya, Moldova, Montenegro, Morocco, Palestine, Former Yugoslavic Republic of Macedonia, Serbia, Tunisia, Turkey, Ukraine).
This One Health project develops through the transdisciplinary interaction of four sectors: human health, animal health, medical entomology and public health, to enhance preparedness and response to emerging arboviroses and to improve integration of surveillance.
To this aim, we implemented a MediLabSecure Situation Analysis (MeSa study) on integrated surveillance (IS) of West Nile Virus in Tunisia and Serbia and of Crimean-Congo Haemorrhagic Fever in Georgia, describing the level of integration of the systems with criteria included in a framework we proposed to assess and compare IS (http://www.simetweb.eu/document/3847).
The MeSa had the following objectives:
1. Describe how the collection, analysis and dissemination/exchange of information is organized within and between human, animal and entomological surveillance of arboviruses;
2. Identify formal procedures and informal practices for IS;
3. Discuss main challenges and success stories in establishing a functional inter-sectoral collaboration and integrating sectorial surveillances.
In the period July-December 2016 we collected background information on the IS of the three countries, visited the countries’ institutions and conducted interviews with the relevant stakeholders.
Surveillance processes (intra/inter sectorial) with flows of information, samples, feedback and responsibilities were analized in the three countries. The results highlight that the added value of IS and its aim/s (early warning, mitigation, response, etc.) may vary in accordance with the context, the available resources, and the pathogens. This should be considered when planning for IS and in the evaluation of One Health strategies.
Poster Slot
E01
12:30-12:45
Enhancing Prevention, Detection and Response to Zoonoses and AMR Through Transformations of One Health Workforce in Tanzania
| Presenter | : | Robinson Mdegela |
| Abstract ID | : | A164 |
Tanzania with a rapid increase of human population, has about 44% of unprecedented land protected for wildlife and nature conservation. The interphase and protected areas are suitable for settlement, a risk factor for high interactions between human, domestic and wild animals leading to high prevalence of zonnoses and emergence of AMR. Since early 1990’s, Tanzania has been in transition and transformation from health professional and workforce working in silos to collaborations using one health approach in order enhance prevention, detection and responses of zoonoses and AMR.
The main objective of this paper is to review One Health Initiatives that have been implemented in Tanzania in view to harnesses the power of PPC partnerships for prevention, detection and responses to zoonoses and AMR.
To accomplish the task, relevant documents for OH in Tanzania were reviewed. Information gathered was grouped and discussed to reflect the relevancy in Public Private Community (PPC) partnership domains.
Public domain: The advocacy for One Health in Tanzania has been at the highest level by involving the President, Prime Minister and Ministers in line Ministries. thus, the OH Tanzania was launched by the Vice President of the United Republic of Tanzania. Coordination of all OH activities is done by the One Health Coordination Unit (OHCU) at the Prime Ministers Office. There is OH leadership training for inservice personnel through Continuous Professional Development (CPDs) and table top simulation exercises relevant to OH approach. Curricular for pre-service personnel undergraduate and graduate levels have been revised to integrate the OH issues in the curricular as well as in OH modules.
Private domain: Evidenced by involvement of NGO’s, media and private firms that provide financial and material support to OH student clubs that among others include vaccines and pharmaceuticals.
Community domain: Although the OHCU works at National level, at community level, there are One Health Committees that co-ordinates and implement activities at Regional and District levels. In terms of training, through OHCEA, curricula and OH module for training para-professionals (diploma and certificate holders) working at community level are now being developed. One Health Student Club use OH approach to sensitise and educate the primary school children about zoonoses and AMR. The same club also use OH to control rabies through community education and vaccination of dogs. Overall, there is serious commitment and engagements and involvement of WHO, OIE and FAO. A Network of One Health Networks in Tanzania meets once a year to share experiences and best practices of capacity building and implementing activities using OH approach.
In conclusion, One Health approach is key for harnessing the power of PPC partnership for Prevention, Detection and Responses to zoonotic diseases and AMR.
Poster Slot
F01
12:45-13:00
EpiCore: Crowdsourcing Global Epidemic Intelligence to Verify Outbreaks Faster
| Presenter | : | Mark Smolinski |
| Abstract ID | : | A280 |
Background: In 2013, the Skoll Global Threats Fund partnered with three leading health organizations to create EpiCore – a robust global community of human, animal, and environmental health professionals committed verifying disease outbreaks. EpiCore’s online platform was launched in November 2015, and operates under a simple premise: connecting more health professionals to a system that provides immediate access to early alerts about health threats in their area and allowing users to validate those threats as real—leads to faster, accurate outbreak verification.
How EpiCore Works: Through a secure online platform, members are able to easily and quickly provide local information to expedite outbreak verification. Moderators review reports of potential outbreaks in humans or animals from disparate sources and then use EpiCore to send requests for information (RFI) to volunteers, so that signals can be verified. Volunteers combine their expertise, knowledge of on-the-ground realities, and other resources to verify or discard early indicators of an outbreak. They report back to moderators, who assimilate responses and share their findings with the global disease surveillance community. EpiCore volunteer applications are vetted to ensure that they possess the public health and epidemiologic expertise necessary to contribute to the platform. EpiCore has over 2040 members that span 143 countries. During the two years since EpiCore’s launch, over 500 requests for information to volunteers have been posted with a response rate of over 60%.
Looking Ahead: With its broad geographical distribution of members and high response rate, EpiCore is poised to enable verification of potential outbreak signals faster. By improving situational awareness and de-escalating rumors or false information, EpiCore is able to reduce the signal-to-noise ratio among disease surveillance data streams. By detecting and verifying outbreaks faster, EpiCore can enable early outbreak response efforts that curb epidemics and save lives.
Poster Slot
A02
12:45-13:00
Epicore: Initial Experience With An Innovative System For Outbreak Verification
| Presenter | : | Larry Madoff |
| Abstract ID | : | A292 |
Objective: To understand the performance of the EpiCore platform and evaluate its usefulness in obtaining information regarding potential public health outbreaks.
Methods: Volunteer human, animal, and environmental health professionals from around the world are recruited and trained to provide early verification of health threat alerts in their geographic region through a secure, easy to use, online platform. Experts in the area of emerging infectious diseases send requests for information on unverified health threats to these volunteers who combine their on-the-ground knowledge and professional expertise to verify outbreak alerts to respond to those requests. Experts review and summarize responses and rapidly disseminate important information to the global health community through existing event-based disease surveillance networks such as ProMED.
Findings: From March 2016 to September 2017, 2068 EpiCore volunteers from 142 countries were trained in methods for informal disease surveillance and the use of the secure EpiCore online platform. These volunteers provided 799 individual responses to 759 requests for information addressing unverified health threats in 112 countries. 61% of requests for information received at least one member response. Most responses were received within hours of the requests. 45% of responses were considered of high significance. These responses led to 194 ProMED posts with over 50% of responses supporting verification of an outbreak and were published on ProMED, an existing outbreak reporting network with more than 85,000 members.
Conclusion: There is widespread willingness among health professionals around the world to voluntarily assist efforts to verify and provide supporting information on unconfirmed health threats in their region. By linking this worldwide member network of health experts through a secure online reporting platform, EpiCore enables faster global outbreak detection and reporting.
Poster Slot
B02
12:45-13:00
Ongoing PREDICT 2 Work in Lao PDR: Synchronized Surveillance Between PREDICT and FAO at the Wildlife-Livestock-Human Interface.
| Presenter | : | Soubanh Silithammavong |
| Abstract ID | : | A175 |
Through coordination with FAO, PREDICT is conducting concurrent surveillance in Khong District, Southern west of Champasack Province, Laos where local villagers still live in a close contact with animals. PREDICT collect biological samples from wildlife (rodent and bats) while FAO collect sample from livestock (poultry, swine, buffalos and cattle) to look for zoonotic disease for potential pandemic threat to human. In the meantime, PREDICT work with Khong district hospital to screening patients that present with one of the following syndromes will be asked to participate in study: fever of unknown origin, fever with rash, fever with hemorrhage, fever with respiratory symptoms, and encephalitis. Patients will be required to provide informed consent and agree to complete a questionnaire and to provide biological samples. The cost of wildlife and human biological collection and analysis will be responsible from PREDICT, while the cost of livestock sample collection and diagnostic will be responsible by FAO.
Poster Slot
C02
12:45-13:00
Prioritization of Disease Emergence Risk Factors for the Republic of Korea Using a Nationwide Survey of Subject Matter Experts: A Model for Other Countries or Regions
| Presenter | : | Jonathan Sleeman |
| Abstract ID | : | A020 |
Emerging diseases are driven by multiple factors including, but not limited to, climate and land use change, population growth, global travel and trade, and increasing agricultural intensification. The relative importance of these drivers may vary among geographic regions, and simultaneously managing multiple risk factors for disease emergence may be prohibitively expensive. Consequently, prioritizing the risk factors for disease emergence is warranted. We used an online nationwide questionnaire survey of subject matter experts to elicit opinions on likely pathways of wildlife-associated disease or pathogen introduction into the Republic of Korea (ROK), and risk factors for disease emergence and spread within the country. To examine the experts’ perceived risk we used a Bayesian, multivariate normal order-statistics model. Experts identified migration of wildlife, international human movement, and illegal importation of wildlife as the three primary routes posing the greatest risk of disease or pathogen introduction into ROK. Proximity of humans, livestock and wildlife was the most significant risk factor for promoting the spread of wildlife-associated diseases or pathogens within the country, followed by high density of livestock populations, habitat loss and environmental degradation, and climate change. There was also general agreement among the three sectors of expertise (public health, agriculture, and environmental) regarding the relative importance of these external and internal risk factors. This provides evidence of progress towards an interdisciplinary approach, and the concurrence across sectors regarding risks for disease emergence provides an important basis for establishing an effective multi-sector, One Health approach in ROK. This ultimately allows decision makers to use evidence-based priority setting when allocating resources to address disease risks. This study provided a rapid, cost-effective method of assessment of disease emergence risk factors for which the published literature is sparse, and may be useful for other countries or regions that wish to conduct similar risk assessments.
Poster Slot
D02
12:45-13:00
Academic-Public Health-Community Partnership for Prevention and Control of Intestinal Parasites Infection in Endemic Area Using One Health Approach: A Field Observational Research
| Presenter | : | Aulia Pawestri |
| Abstract ID | : | A026 |
Intestinal parasites are prevalent in low socio-economic tropical regions, especially among immigrant and refugee communities. Tha Song Yang district at Thai-Myanmar border, Tak Province, has one of the highest intestinal parasites prevalence in Thailand. This study aimed to determine the true intestinal parasites prevalence and assess possible contributing risk factors. From these results, target-specific and sustainable plans involving multi-sectors were formulated.
To determine prevalence of intestinal parasites, we collected 513 human fecal samples from six Tha Song Yang sub-districts. To assess zoonotic and water-borne transmission, we retrieved domestic animal fecal samples, and up-, middle-, and down-stream water samples. Disease-associated knowledge and attitude towards risk factors and prevention were evaluated by questionnaires. By strong collaboration from the Ministry of Interior (MOI) and Ministry of Public Health (MOPH), we, as the academic sector, facilitated multi-sectorial brainstorming among villagers, health volunteers, sub-district administrative officer, and public health sectors, including health care providers and public health authorities, to explore perceptions on important disease-associated risks and solutions.
Microscopic examination of human fecal samples revealed that 65% was positive for intestinal protozoa and 5% for helminthes. Interestingly, 90% of domestic animal fecal samples showed infective forms of intestinal parasites similar to those of human. However, correlation of these parasites in human and animal was still inconclusive. Questionnaire analysis indicated that 70% respondents have no knowledge about disease-associated risk factors and prevention. Multi-sectorial brain storming displayed water-related problems as the most prevailing risk, followed by improper waste management, unclean food, and poor personal hygiene.
Crystallized ideas to solve these problems focused on the necessity of assistance from local authorities to improve water quality and waste management. These suggestions, combined with our technical findings, were constituted into a policy brief and notified to MOI/MOPH for further policy and strategic planning for community participation in reducing disease burden.
Poster Slot
E02
12:45-13:00
Assessing the Strength of One Health University Networks though Social Network Analysis
| Presenter | : | Ian Allen |
| Abstract ID | : | A291 |
Poster Slot
F02
13:00-13:15
Strengthened Public Health Laboratories Improve Disease Surveillance in the East African Community
| Presenter | : | Willy Were |
| Abstract ID | : | A346 |
Background: The East Africa Public Health Laboratory Networking Project, approved by the World Bank in 2010, aims to establish a network of high quality, efficient and accessible laboratories in remote cross-border areas of five of the East African Community Partner States (Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda). The laboratories are contributing to enhanced detection of infectious diseases in remote trans-boundary regions in line with commitments under the International Health Regulations and East African Integrated Disease Surveillance Network (EAIDSNet).
Process: Central public health laboratories and 36 public and private satellite laboratories in peri-border regions were built/renovated, equipped, and connected. All were enrolled in a continuous laboratory improvement program based on WHO-tailored Stepwise Laboratory Improvement Process Towards Accreditation (SLIPTA). “One Health” multi-disciplinary cross-border disease surveillance teams were established; simulation exercises for health emergencies were conducted; regional print and electronic systems for sharing disease surveillance data were established; training of over 13,000 personnel in disease surveillance, novel diagnostic lab techniques and specimen handling was conducted; an operational research program was conducted, including mapping of antimicrobial resistance (AMR); and improved capacity established to conduct lab-based AMR and cancer surveillance in the region.
Outcomes: The quality of laboratory performance has improved with >96% of the labs attaining >=2 SLIPTA stars, 63% >=3 stars in 2017 compared to 23% with 2 stars in 2011; 4 laboratories were accredited using ISO15189 standards, one to supranational TB referral lab status; 956 MDR diagnoses have been made; beneficiaries of the labs have increased from 947,207 in 2011to 4,038,178 in 2016; 22 joint One Health cross-border disease surveillance review/outbreak investigations have helped to contain several disease outbreaks; and the proportion of outbreaks confirmed by laboratory testing increased from 10-20% in 2010 to 100% in 2016.
Conclusion: Laboratory improvements could form an efficient gateway to enhanced regional disease control efforts.
Poster Slot
A03
13:00-13:15
Developing Public Programs on Emerging Infectious Diseases at the Smithsonian Institution: Lessons for Pandemic Risk Communication
| Presenter | : | Sabrina Sholts |
| Abstract ID | : | A285 |
Public communication is a critical challenge in the global fight against emerging infectious diseases (EIDs). Earlier recognition of and public participation in addressing epidemics, if linked with effective responses, will decrease their severity and reduce pandemic risks in the 21st century. Public museums, which are among the largest science classrooms in the world, provide a valuable resource of information about public communication that can inform and serve the global health community. A high-profile exhibit creates an opportunity to educate the public at a deeper level of understanding around EIDs through targeted programming with segmented audiences and trusted information. Furthermore, museums can foster conversations between experts and the public around issues that concern the public and which may be contentious, such as stigmatization, vaccination, pesticides and the use of quarantines. Using an exhibition on EIDs at the Smithsonian’s Natural History Museum (NMNH) in Washington, D.C. as a framework, we designed an extensive suite of outreach programs targeted to different audiences. Each program is designed to communicate outcomes intended to align with the interests and concerns of an audience segment. By fostering conversations with adults around issues the public associates with emerging infectious diseases, engaging youths through gaming events and young professionals at adult entertainment venues, holding public fora, showing films, convening panels, and training volunteers on communicating risk and One Health concepts, we effectively reach a diverse audience. Finally, we use surveys to assess the impact of programs and the interests of the public for topics and issues.
Poster Slot
B03
13:00-13:15
Safe Poultry Slaughter Mitigate the Risk of Human Exposure to H5 HPAI at Household Sectors in Egypt
| Presenter | : | A. Lotfi Allal |
| Abstract ID | : | A022 |
Poster Slot
C03
13:00-13:15
Afyadata: A Set of Digital, One Health, Community-Based Tools for Reporting of Emerging Infectious Diseases
| Presenter | : | Esron Karimuribo |
| Abstract ID | : | A321 |
A well functioning surveillance system requires timely availability of relevant data to make informed decision for effective prevention, containment and control of infectious diseases. Existing surveillance systems have not been able to capture adequately health events of human and animal at community level. We designed and programmed a set of digital, One Health and Community-based ICT tools, packaged as AfyaData®, to support reporting of disease events in human and animal populations. The design took into consideration user challenges identified through an EpiHack TM Tanzania event convened in December 2014 that brought together 66 One Health experts and ICT programmers from different countries. The AfyaData® supported One Health disease surveillance system has been tested and deployed in 11 districts in Tanzania. The collected data are accessed in near to real-time by all relevant authorities through specific access code provided by the Southern African Centre for Infectious Diseases (SACIDS) ICT programmers. As at December 2017, 17 months after deployment of the AfyaData® in Tanzania, a total of 6,992 cases have been detected and reported in humans (n=193) and animals (n=6,799). Cases detected at the community level are linked to official public and animal health surveillance systems. The AfyaData® set has potential to revolutionalize disease surveillance and early detection of potential disease epidemics as well as case management and control of infectious diseases in human and animal populations.
Poster Slot
D03
13:00-13:15
Pre-empting the Compatibility Problem: How Multisectoral Cooperation Can Weaken Responses to EIDS and What To Do About It
| Presenter | : | Mara Pillinger |
| Abstract ID | : | A136 |
Over the past two decades, multisectoral partnerships (MSPs) (also called public-private partnerships) have become the go-to approach in global health governance. So, in the wake of Ebola, it is no surprise that new MSPs are being created at every level to address emerging infectious diseases. When setting up MSPs, members tend to focus on programmatic goals and strategies more than on how the partnerships will operate as organizations. Yet success and sustainability hinge on these organizational dynamics. We therefore need to ask: what are the organizational obstacles to effective multisectoral cooperation? And how can partnership members avoid or manage these challenges?
Drawing on data gathered from seven MSPs, I show that “compatibility problems” are a key obstacle for sustaining multisectoral collaboration. MSPs bring together organizations from different sectors that are used to operating in very different ways, with different standards of success and legitimacy, organizational cultures, rules and processes, etc. So even where members share goals, making MSPs run smoothly is like trying to link computers with different operating systems. Compatibility problems are particularly critical for multisectoral collaboration around emerging infectious disease. By definition, these MSPs must consistently operate in stressful crisis or pre-crises circumstances, which is precisely when organizational tensions are likely to be most acute and MSPs can least afford to deal with them.
I further show that compatibility problems are underpinned by fundamental organizational tensions in members’ priorities and expectations for the partnership. Examples include tensions over whether to prioritize outputs vs. inputs, whether the MSP should operate as an actor or a forum, and whether performance problems are due to poor execution or inconsistent expectations. Finally, I share tips and best practices for managing compatibility problems and organizational tensions.
Poster Slot
E03
13:00-13:15
Flu Near You: Crowdsourcing Influenza-Like Illness Reporting in the United States
| Presenter | : | Emily Cohn |
| Abstract ID | : | A185 |
The United States Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that influenza sickened over 24 million people, and resulted in the deaths of nearly 12,000 in the United States during the 2015-2016 influenza season. While vaccination remains one of the best defenses against it, early detection is crucial to halting its spread. Recognizing symptoms early can allow public health officials, and the communities they serve, to take steps to reduce transmission. This is why we created Flu Near You, an online participatory disease surveillance system that allows volunteers in the United States and Canada to report their health information using a brief weekly survey. The system collects symptom data, which it publishes to the website, and offers an interface to compare its data with data from the CDC. A comparison of Flu Near You weekly symptom report data to the CDC’s Influenza-like Illness Network, has shown a correlation of up to 0.96 at the national level and correlations ranging from 0.8-0.9 at the regional level depending on the specific flu season. This high degree of correlation shows the Flu Near You successfully captures disease trends in the community. While Flu Near You has utilized influenza as a case study for participatory surveillance, the project team aims to expand symptoms and disease coverage for future application. With the increase in the emergence of infectious diseases over the last few decades, the application of this technology and crowdsourcing methods may prove useful in broader early disease detection. We hope this expansion will further provide actionable insights for public health stakeholders, and be able to account for and track other emergent diseases such as Zika virus and dengue.
Poster Slot
F03
16:30-16:45
System Review of Regulations on Antibiotic Use in Food Animals and a Case Study on Stakeholders’ Concern on Broiler Farm in Northwestern China
| Presenter | : | Jingyi Xu |
| Abstract ID | : | A181 |
Background: Antibiotic resistance has become one of the biggest threats to global health. The overuse in animals, especially as a growth promoter have made great contribution to the increasing rates. The resistant bacteria transmit through food and water environment forms a cumulative problem for human health. China uses around half the world's antibiotics, of which 52% in agricultural sector. But China does not have restrictions on antimicrobial growth promoters. The issues need to be highly addressed. Over goal and Objective: This study aims to review and analysis the regulations on antibiotics use in food animals, investigating the perceptions and behaviors of stakeholders on antibiotic use on broiler farm and their influence and impact on the regulations of antibiotic use in food animals. Methods: This study combines Quantitative and qualitative methods together and is conducting in northwestern China. Centering around the antibiotic use regulations, the study includes three parts: A policy system review, a case study and a cross-sectional survey. Result: After a few parts of pilot study, we found that regulations and surveillance are theoretically feasible, but difficulty in being in operation, the work is often a formality. The quarantine of broilers is very limited due to lack of personnel and techniques. People haven’t realized the risk of ATB resistance from environment. The ATB resistance due to food animals has not yet be taken seriously comparing with human use in hospital. Conclusion: Regulation should be considered to get rid of the control barriers for ATB management and surveillance in food animals. Education for improving the awareness of the ATB resistance in food animals is required urgently in China. (Only a pilot study has been done, the discussion is not sufficient yet.)
Poster Slot
A04
16:30-16:45
A New Tool for Supporting Multisectoral Antimicrobial Resistance Action Planning: One Health Systems Mapping and Analysis Resource Toolkit
| Presenter | : | Katharine Pelican |
| Abstract ID | : | A299 |
The development of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in pathogens of concern is becoming a serious threat to global public health. This threat crosses many sectoral boundaries including human health where AMR is threatening patient survival, animal health and production where use of antimicrobials is under scrutiny, environmental agencies who manage pollutants, industries who produce and distribute antimicrobial drugs. To address this emerging crisis, it is important for government agencies, the private sector, intergovernmental agencies and academic institutions to coordinate effectively to better prevent, detect and respond to AMR emergence events: A “One Health” (OH) approach. However, there is a lack of systematic tools to help governments review, improve and develop cross-sectoral coordination mechanisms to address threats like AMR. Traditionally, tools to improve government efficacy have focused on individual agency processes and workforce issues, and rarely consider systems and activities that do (or should) cut across sectoral lines. A new tool, the One Health Systems Mapping and Analysis Resource Toolkit (OH-SMART™) provides a standardized process for analyzing and improving stakeholder interactions around One Health (OH) challenges. The tool is able to support multiple government agencies to work together to review existing collaborations, analyze how the interagency collaborations actually work, and then identify opportunities to fill gaps and build best practices to strengthen coordination. An implementation plan is then agreed to across sectors for improving or establishing the multisectoral coordination mechanisms. OH-SMART™ has already been applied to improving zoonotic and infectious disease management systems in the US and Indonesia. In 2017, a unique partnership including the Food and Agriculture Organization, the US Department of State and the University of Minnesota will be working together to support multisectoral teams trained in OH-SMART™ implementation from Cambodia, Laos, Thailand and Myanmar to use the tool for National AMR Action Planning in their countries.
Poster Slot
C04
16:30-16:45
Achieving Resilience to Emerging Infectious Diseases with the Poultry Production Systems -- Development of a Production-Led Strategy for the Progressive Control of Avian Influenza and Management of AMR in Bangladesh
| Presenter | : | Eric Brum |
| Abstract ID | : | A438 |
Poster Slot
D04
16:30-16:45
Development of Thai-Surveillance of Antimicrobial Consumption: A Foundation for Tracking Progress Towards Success
| Presenter | : | Sunicha Chavatik |
| Abstract ID | : | A441 |
Poster Slot
E04
16:30-16:45
Strengthening One Health in Uganda: An After-Action Review of Crimean Congo Hemorrhagic Fever Outbreak Response
| Presenter | : | Winyi Kaboyo |
| Abstract ID | : | A484 |
Poster Slot
F04
16:45-17:00
Cross-Sectional Surveillance for Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus in Camels and Associated Livestock in Ethiopia
| Presenter | : | Elias Walelign |
| Abstract ID | : | A393 |
As part of the epizonal approach to determine the presence or absence of MERS CoV RNA and its neutralizing antibodies in East and North Africa and the Middle East, a cross-sectional surveillance study was conducted in Ethiopia from March 2016 to September 2017. The study was jointly carried by the NAHDIC and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) under the United States Agency for International Development’s Emerging Pandemic Threats programme (USAID EPT-2). A total of 1145 camel sera were tested using Anticamel IgG ELISA. Additionally, 1697 camel nasal swab samples and 515 nasal swab samples from other species of animals (Goats, Sheep, cattle and donkeys) were also analysed by real time RT-PCR at the National Animal Health Diagnostic and Investigation Centre (NAHDIC). The study showed high level of anti MERS CoV antibodies detection in dromedary camels. However, unlike some other previous studies in the country, none of the study animals including camels were positive for MERS CoV RNA using molecular techniques. This could be associated with the brief viral shedding window period and difference in season of sample collection with the other studies.
Poster Slot
A05
16:45-17:00
One Health Approach Towards Management of the Aflatoxicosis Outbreak in Bukomansimbi District, Central Uganda
| Presenter | : | Angella Musewa |
| Abstract ID | : | A064 |
Poster Slot
B05
16:45-17:00
Reducing the Risk of Zoonotic Disease Transmission between People and Wildlife in East-Central Africa: Gorilla Doctors’ Employee Health Program
| Presenter | : | Kirsten Gilardi |
| Abstract ID | : | A141 |
In the most densely populated region of continental Africa, spanning the borders of Rwanda, Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), 880 endangered mountain gorillas (Gorilla beringei beringei) survive in just two protected areas that are staffed by hundreds of personnel and visited by thousands of tourists annually. Close proximity and even direct contact between people and gorillas occurs daily. The risk of infectious disease transmission from people to gorillas is high, and mountain gorillas have proven to be susceptible to human pathogens. As well, the potential for disease transmission from great apes to people, while not documented to date in the Virungas, has been reported in other primate populations and in captivity, and is therefore of concern. To mitigate the potential for bidirectional disease transmission among people and mountain gorillas, Gorilla Doctors implements a preventive health care program for park personnel, researchers and their family members in close coordination with host country governments, regional hospitals and community clinics. Park personnel and research staff receive annual physical examinations, undergo routine diagnostics for wellness and communicable diseases, and they and their spouses and children are treated for gastrointestinal parasites. As well, all participants receive health and hygiene education. An assessment of this public-private partnership has demonstrated that its impact reaches beyond direct benefits to individuals and their families: it also creates opportunities for better understanding public health trends in the community and evaluating the contribution of workplace health and well-being to worker morale, and allows for the detection of emerging infectious disease at this intense and high-risk wildlife-human interface.
Poster Slot
C05
16:45-17:00
Implementing National Antibiotic Action Plans for Reducing Antibiotic Resistant Bacteria in Animals
| Presenter | : | Thomas Shryock |
| Abstract ID | : | A303 |
One Health approaches to combating antimicrobial resistant (AMR) bacteria require cooperation among the human, animal and environmental sectors. WHO, OIE and FAO have Action Plans designed to assign tasks for implementation within each country. For animal agriculture, the OIE and FAO strategy includes: AMR awareness, surveillance of antibiotic use and AMR bacteria, responsible use and good practice guidelines, governance, capacity building and international standards implementation as key activities. Adapting these high-level global approaches to fit within national settings presents many challenges. These include insufficient political support, limited funding, infrastructure challenges, negative economic impact of actions on small holders, technical capacity, shortages of trained animal health professionals, laboratory personnel and many other issues. A key learning from Europe is that a national alliance of key stakeholder groups can be an effective means to provide coordination, communication and collaboration for implementation down to the farm level. An example is the Responsible Use of Medicines in Agriculture alliance in the United Kingdom (http://www.ruma.org.uk) and at the European country level, the European Platform for Responsible Use of Medicines in Animals (http://www.epruma.eu) is also operational. Formation of similar in-country national alliances or even regional alliances of key stakeholder groups in the Asia-Pacific region could offer the potential for leveraging resources, shared learning and international cooperation. Governance, capacity building, surveillance and other national level actions could be blended with the practical aspects of on-farm implementation of good animal practices/antibiotic use guidelines, training of personnel and ways to maintain profitability for small-holder farms. In short, identification of progress or barriers in reducing AMR within countries might be enhanced by formation of stakeholder alliance organizations as has been done in Europe.
Poster Slot
E05
16:45-17:00
Temporal and Geographical Comparison Between Two Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Global Epidemics
| Presenter | : | Paula Caceres |
| Abstract ID | : | A405 |
Understanding the dissemination of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) is of high international importance due to the potential for emergence of subtypes that can infect humans coupled with the potential for rapid, aerosol spread. Global epidemics of HPAI subtype H5N8 occurred in wild and domestic birds in 2014/2015 and again in 2016/2017. This analysis presents similarities and differences between these two epidemics in terms of epidemic curves and geographical spread, based on data reported to the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) through its World Animal Health Information System (WAHIS) and identifies major intervention points to reduce the threat of HPAI.
In the 2016/2017 epidemic, the number of outbreaks was 6 times larger than in 2014/2015. Statistical differences between the two epidemic curves were determined using the Kruskal-Wallis rank sum test (p<0.001) followed by Mann-Whitney U test (p<0.001) for pairwise comparisons. These results showed high temporal variability in the number of H5N8 subtype outbreaks. To evaluate geographical disparities in H5N8 spread, a kernel density estimator was applied. In 2016/2017, the international spread of H5N8 was 66% larger than in 2014/2015. East Asia acted as a source of both epidemics, while regional spread was most pronounced in Europe. Differences were observed between the two epidemics. First, North America was involved only in the first epidemic, while only the second epidemic spread to the Middle East, Asia and Africa.
This epidemic data indicates that East Asia was the source of both epidemics, reinforcing the necessity for continued efforts to improve early reporting of subtypes and viral phenotypes, such as virulence and transmissibility in this region. Additionally, in spite of increased efforts of Veterinary Services toward preparedness, the spread of the 2016/2017 epidemic highlights global weaknesses in the implementation of policies and practices to prevent HPAI transmission to animals and humans.
Poster Slot
