Overview
This project aimed to contribute to improved passive animal health surveillance in Timor-Leste, which will have downstream impacts on both trade and livelihoods in the country.
Through capacity building exercises spanning the detection and reporting of disease in the field, through to laboratory diagnostic workflows and reporting, the project used a case study approach to the topical and important syndrome of mortality of young pigs. The project sought to develop and pilot “best practice” passive animal disease surveillance in a series of pilot areas. To determine what was needed to enable this, the project identified both opportunities and limitations to effective passive surveillance by documenting the challenges from the perspectives of farmers and of veterinary technicians. This knowledge will in part inform capacity building activities with veterinary technicians.