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Background:
Epidemiological surveillance
of animal diseases is essential and integral part of the National Veterinary
Services. The importance of epidemiology is growing rapidly on the light
of globalization and OIE/WTO membership. Disease reporting was encouraged
during rinderpest vaccination campaign in sixties. The concept of national
animal disease database was developed in early eighties. Epidemiological
unit was established under Central Animal Health Center, Central Veterinary
Laboratory and Infectious Disease and Parasite Control Project in the
past. The disease reporting system was irregular, incomplete and not
standardized.
The real need of epidemiological surveillance and disease reporting system was realized in 1996 when Nepal joined Office International des Epizooties (World Organization of Animal Health) and wished to follow OIE pathway in order to get international recognition of rinderpest disease and infection free country. Central Epidemiology Unit (CEU) was established under the Central Veterinary Laboratory and Animal Disease Control Section in 1996 under the technical and financial assistance of European Union through Strengthening of Veterinary Services and Livestock Disease Control (SVSLDC Project). A computerized national database and standardized disease reporting system has been developed which has gone through a series of metamorphosis. Nepal was declared as rinderpest disease and infection free country in 2002, which demonstrates the strength of effective national epidemiological system in Nepal.
Veterinary Epidemiology Center was established as an independent organization in 2004 under the new organizational structure of the Department of Livestock Services. His Majesty's Government has well recognized the importance of epidemiology in the context of OIE/WTO membership. Although there is limited manpower, the center is determined to adopt new epidemiological tools and technologies to face challenges and promote partnership and collaboration with development partners to strengthen epidemiological surveillance system.
Today
the frequency of monthly reporting is above 90%. E-mail has been used
for epidemiological reporting by some districts. GIS had been introduced
for epidemiological analysis.
Goal
Generate reliable, transparent and update animal health information at
the national level and develop cost-effective, technically feasible and
socially acceptable disease control and eradication strategies on the
basis of epidemiological analysis.
Objectives
Act as a national focal point as well as documentation center for animal
health information.
Develop National Animal Health Information Management System (NAHIMS),
which will meet international standard and requirement.
Develop national disease control and eradication programme on the basis
of available epidemiological information.
Carry out outbreak investigation and epidemiological survey in order to
develop appropriate disease control activities.
Adopt latest epidemiological tools and technology to strengthen national
capabilities for epidemiological investigation and economic analysis.
Improve accessibility of national animal health information for stakeholders,
national and international agencies by adopting latest information and
communication technologies.
Duties and Responsibilities:
Maintain national animal disease database. Advice concerned authorities,
planners and policy makers for appropriate action.
Act as a national focal point for animal health information, and strengthen
National Animal Health Information Management System (NAHIMS) in Nepal.
Provide technical guidance to implement contingency/emergency preparedness
plan in order to control Transboundary Animal Diseases (TADs) in the country.
Prepare and implement monitoring / surveillance / survey programmes for
priority diseases.
Assist in development of animal health programmes.
Publish epidemiological bulletins (quarterly and annual) for information
dissemination and transfer of updated knowledge on specific diseases.
Develop/facilitate to develop simple and effective system for information
exchange between various organisations involved in animal health related
activities at national and international levels.
Provide official epidemiological information on animal diseases and zoonoses
to OIE/FAO/WHO on monthly, quarterly and/or annual basis.
Coordinate and provide technical guidance to develop reliable disease
information system for bee and fish diseases.
Carry out import risk analysis on demand.
New dimensions
√ A functional reporting system has been developed for livestock, poultry,
bee and fish diseases.
√ Developed data compilation programme for each district and encouraged
for electronic transfer of monthly epidemiological report.
√ Developed Animal Quarantine Management Information System according
OIE/WTO requirements.
√ GIS has been adopted to analyse animal health data, population and production
parameters.
√ Dynamic website management system has been developed using latest technology.
√ It is planned to introduce TADINFO, GPS and other tools for better epidemiological
surveillance of animal diseases.
On going activities
¤ The Center is working with the Directorate of Animal Health and FAO
to implement TCP/NEP/2902(A) in order to strengthen epidemiological surveillance
of TADs and emergency preparedness and planning for rinderpest and PPR.
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