Epidemiology and disease surveillance
Epidemiology is the scientific study of why and how frequently diseases occur in different populations, both animal and human.
Disease surveillance is the continuous monitoring of the occurrence of disease within a population through the collection, collation, analysis and dissemination of disease-related data.
Epidemiological and disease surveillance information are used to plan and evaluate strategies to prevent and control disease, and as a guide to the management of diseases within populations.
Epidemiology and disease surveillance can be used to assist in identifying causes and sources of disease, to identify parts of the population at highest risk of disease and to develop and evaluate disease management programmes.
All of these elements will ultimately lead to improved animal health and welfare, which makes the Epidemiology and Disease Surveillance Department at the Animal Health Trust a vital resource for the veterinary profession in identifying, controlling and preventing disease outbreaks, both nationally and internationally.
Use our menu below to find out more about our epidemiology and infectious disease investigations.
DEFRA/AHT/BEVA REPORTS
Our DEFRA/AHT/BEVA Equine Quarterly Disease Surveillance Reports are available to view online.
EQUINE GRASS SICKNESS
Jo Ireland is coordinating the nationwide field trial of a vaccine for the prevention of equine grass sickness.
SEASONAL CANINE ILLNESS
We have been investigating seasonal canine illness (SCI) since September 2010.*
CANINE ACUTE KIDNEY FAILURE
Questionnaire to help investigate cases of acute kidney failure in dogs.
Guidelines for minimising risk of spread of infectious disease In the light of recent Equine HerpesVirus (EHV-1) outbreaks, the AHT has launched a set of guidelines for horse owners and event co-ordinators to help minimise the risk of any infectious disease spead. To download our guidelines, click here. |
* SCI image courtesy of Jim Larson