Early warning, database, and information systems for avian influenza surveillance

Early warning systems rapidly detect the introduction or sudden increase in incidence of any disease of livestock which has the potential to develop epidemic proportions and/or cause serious socioeconomic consequences or public health concerns. Early warning activities, mainly based on disease surveillance, reporting, and epidemiological analysis, are supported by information systems that enable integration, analysis, and sharing of animal health data combined with relevant layers of information such as socioeconomic, production, and climatic data. Information systems represent the backbone of early warning systems. Disease analysis and integration provide better understanding of underlying ecological and epidemiological mechanisms responsible for the maintenance and spread of a given disease. This also leads to the definition and implementation of cost-effective control strategies. The FAO Early Warning System for worldwide monitoring of avian influenza highlights the potential for better integration and exchange of information among key stakeholders, and better understanding of the disease. it also provides member countries the tools necessary to protect national flocks of domestic poultry and to keep the disease out of their national boundaries.