Assessing and controlling the risks of disease spread in Mekong countries with an initial focus on Cambodia

Cambodia

Dr Angus Cameron
Phone: 02 4757 2770
Fax: 02 4757 2789
Email: angus@ausvet.com.au

$88,373

01/08/2006 - 01/12/2006

Dr Peter Rolfe

Transboundary animal diseases (those which cross national borders) in Southeast Asia, including foot-and-mouth disease and classical swine fever, cause significant losses. In the Mekong countries there is a need to identify the drivers that lead to the spread of animal disease both between and within countries, primarily through livestock movement. In this small research activity involving a workshop and an in-country visit the scientists sought to develop a deeper and broader understanding of the issues relating to national and regional livestock movements in Mekong countries and their impact on the spread of livestock disease. An exchange of information and experience between the research partners was needed to help scientists address disease control issues in a more effective and coordinated way. The report from this activity was submitted to ACIAR as a basis for further research projects in the area.

This activity has served to clearly define a mechanism whereby the existing movement patterns of livestock in Cambodia, Lao and surrounding countries can be better understood. As well, by analysing a range of potential indicators, the scientists may be able to be indirectly estimate the situation in near real-time. This information will provide valuable insight into the role of movements in disease spread, and serve as the basis for the development of a number of interventions to limit high-risk movements, and make existing movements safer.

A proposed activity arising from the study will involve collaboration between the Cambodian and Lao veterinary services and Australian partners to undertake research in the Cambodia, Lao PDR and Australia. The researchers will seek to understand more about the drivers of domestic and transboundary livestock movements, and to use this understanding to help prevent the spread of livestock diseases.

The overall aim will be to improve control of livestock diseases by 1) providing information on the predicted spatial risk of disease spread (allowing pre-emptive preventative measures to be implemented in high risk populations), and 2) developing alternative interventions to decrease the risk of disease spread through livestock movements. Specific objectives relate to: describing actual livestock movement patterns; identifying drivers for livestock movement; predicting the risk of disease spread; institutionalising a sustainable system to describe movement patterns; develop novel strategies to minimise risk of disease spread; coordination with other relevant projects; project management; project monitoring and review.

The key output will be up-to-date estimates of livestock movement patterns and disease risk. This information will provide an essential foundation for disease control, including the definition of zones, pre-emptive control activities in identified high-risk areas, and appropriate interventions to either influence livestock movement patterns, or decrease the risk of disease spread through movements. The activity should collaborate with other regional initiatives to ensure that the information generated is used to achieve a maximum impact on disease control.