West Nile virus surveillance in Europe: moving towards an integrated animal-human-vector approach

Céline M Gossner, Laurence Marrama, Marianne Carson, Franz Allerberger, Paolo Calistri, Dimitrios Dilaveris, Sylvie Lecollinet, Dilys Morgan, Norbert Nowotny, Marie-Claire Paty, Danai Pervanidou, Caterina Rizzo, Helen Roberts, Friedrich Schmoll, Wim Van Bortel, Andrea Gervelmeyer

Research output: Contribution to journalA1: Web of Science-articlepeer-review

Abstract

This article uses the experience of five European countries to review the integrated approaches (human, animal and vector) for surveillance and monitoring of West Nile virus (WNV) at national and European levels. The epidemiological situation of West Nile fever in Europe is heterogeneous. No model of surveillance and monitoring fits all, hence this article merely encourages countries to implement the integrated approach that meets their needs. Integration of surveillance and monitoring activities conducted by the public health authorities, the animal health authorities and the authorities in charge of vector surveillance and control should improve efficiency and save resources by implementing targeted measures. The creation of a formal interagency working group is identified as a crucial step towards integration. Blood safety is a key incentive for public health authorities to allocate sufficient resources for WNV surveillance, while the facts that an effective vaccine is available for horses and that most infected animals remain asymptomatic make the disease a lesser priority for animal health authorities. The examples described here can support other European countries wishing to strengthen their WNV surveillance or preparedness, and also serve as a model for surveillance and monitoring of other (vector-borne) zoonotic infections.

Original languageEnglish
JournalEurosurveillance
Volume22
Issue number18
Pages (from-to)30526
Number of pages10
ISSN1560-7917
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2017
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Journal Article

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