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One Health Surveillance, Epidemiology, and Governance for COVID-19
The COVID-19 pandemic has brought home the realization of how connected the world is, and that human health cannot be viewed in silos. It also made us realize that not only are rapid multi-species surveillance systems essential to prevent the spread of viruses with an animal origin, but also that it is essential to better understand the role that One Health can play in improving decision-making to protect the health of all (humans, animals, environment)
Our research team co-leads the Canadian Network on One Health Governance of Infectious Diseases and Antimicrobial Resistance (Global 1hn) which is addressing these issues not only in the context of COVID-19 but for other infectious diseases that could benefit from a One Health approach. In partnership with the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC), we are exploring the role that data from social media such as Twitter could play in the prediction of COVID-19 cases. We are also looking at how a multi-species surveillance system for emerging diseases is being used by decision-makers. Finally, from a One Health perspective, we are initiating studies on the impact of the pandemic on animal health workers, the support that pets may have provided to their owners in times of containment, and the prevalence of infection in cats of infected owners.
We have established partnerships with three of the international bodies most involved in the promotion of the One Health approach to date: WHO, FAO and the International Organization for Animal Health (OIE). Our research will enable public health authorities to establish better decision-making strategies in times of crisis but also for well-established diseases and to better prepare for future crises.
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