Towards an integrated animal health surveillance system in Tanzania: making better use of existing and potential data sources for early warning surveillance

George, Janeth; Häsler, Barbara; Komba, Erick; Sindato, Calvin; Rweyemamu, Mark; Mlangwa, James

Abstract

Background: Effective animal health surveillance systems require reliable, high-quality, and timely data for decision making. In Tanzania, the animal health surveillance system has been relying on a few data sources, which suffer from delays in reporting, underreporting, and high cost of data collection and transmission. The integration of data from multiple sources can enhance early detection and response to animal diseases and facilitate the early control of outbreaks. This study aimed to identify and assess existing and potential data sources for the animal health surveillance system in Tanzania and how they can be better used for early warning surveillance. The study used a mixed-method design to identify and assess data sources. Data were collected through document reviews, internet search, cross-sectional survey, key informant interviews, site visits, and non-participant observation. The assessment was done using pre-defined criteria.

Citation

George, J., Häsler, B., Komba, E., Sindato, C., Rweyemamu, M., & Mlangwa, J. (2021). Towards an integrated animal health surveillance system in Tanzania: making better use of existing and potential data sources for early warning surveillance. BMC Veterinary Research, 17(1), https://doi.org/10.1186/s12917-021-02789-x

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Feb 3, 2021
• Online Publication Date: Mar 6, 2021
• Publication Date: 2021-12
• Deposit Date: Mar 25, 2021
• Publicly Available Date: Mar 25, 2021
• Journal: BMC Veterinary Research
• Publisher: BioMed Central
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 17
• Issue: 1
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12917-021-02789-x
• Keywords: General Veterinary; General Medicine
• Public URL: https://rvc-repository.worktribe.com/output/1444337
• Additional Information: Received: 16 October 2020; Accepted: 3 February 2021; First Online: 6 March 2021; : This study was approved by Research Ethics Committee of Sokoine University of Agriculture. It was granted research clearance from the Vice Chancellor on behalf of Tanzania Commission for Science and Technology (COSTECH), reference no SUA/ADM/R.1/8/331–335.Before the interviews and questionnaire administration, researcher secured participants’ written consent after reading consent declaration form.; : Not applicable.; : The authors have no conflict of interest to declare.