Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 has clearly shown that efficient management of infectious diseases requires a top-down approach which must be complemented with a bottom-up response to be effective. Here we investigate a novel approach to surveillance for transboundary animal diseases using African Swine (ASF) fever as a model. We collected data both at a population level and at the local level on information-seeking behavior respectively through digital data and targeted questionnaire-based surveys to relevant stakeholders such as pig farmers and veterinary authorities. Our study shows how information-seeking behavior and resulting public attention during an epidemic, can be identified through novel data streams from digital platforms such as Wikipedia. Leveraging attention in a critical moment can be key to providing the correct information at the right moment, especially to an interested cohort of people. We also bring evidence on how field surveys aimed at local workers and veterinary authorities remain a crucial tool to assess more in-depth preparedness and awareness among front-line actors. We conclude that these two tools should be used in combination to maximize the outcome of surveillance and prevention activities for selected transboundary animal diseases such as ASF.
Highlights
African Swine Fever (ASF) is a transboundary animal disease that affects wild and domestic pigs, and it is characterized by a high case fatality rate [1]
The stakeholder component was assessed through two field surveys in Estonian University of Life Sciences (Estonia) focusing on veterinary authorities and farmers to assess the level of preparedness towards ASF
Notice that the information-seeking behavior decreased after reaching the highest peak, even if the exposure to the news remained high. This is evident in Estonia, Romania, Belgium, and the Czech Republic
Summary
African Swine Fever (ASF) is a transboundary animal disease that affects wild and domestic pigs, and it is characterized by a high case fatality rate [1]. ASF is present in several European, African, and Asian countries, its impact on global markets can potentially be catastrophic, threatening the economy from local to global level [1], jeopardizing pig industries [2], and negatively affecting socio-economic factors [3]. The World Organization for Animal Health (OIE). Integrating digital and field surveillance to complement efforts to manage epidemic diseases of livestock isi.it/en/lagrange-project/project) funded by Fondazione CRT (https://www.fondazionecrt.it/en/ fondazione-crt.html) of Torino All the funders had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscrip
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