All-island disease surveillance report 2024
Date published:
Surveillance for animal disease, monitoring trends in prevalence and impact, continues in a changing Europe and a changing world.
Many factors such as climate change, political change, new trading patterns and the evolution of our food animal production systems ensure that animal disease is a dynamic, shape-shifting target.
Animal health surveillance data are an invaluable resource which help to optimize the monitoring and control of diseases known to be present throughout the animal populations. Furthermore, such data help us prepare for, and thus mitigate the impact of, any exotic, new or previously unknown disease outbreak were it to occur. It also helps to safeguard not only animal health and welfare, but also public health and food safety.
The All-Island Disease Surveillance report 2024 is an important aspect of sharing this information with stakeholders across the island, thus ensuring preparedness in the face of any changing trends or for any new, emerging, or re-emerging disease threats.
This report, produced collaboratively between the Agri-Food & Biosciences Institute in Northern Ireland and the laboratory service of the Department of Agriculture & Food in Ireland continues to be a prime example of transboundary information sharing and collaboration. This report utilises modern information technology tools to allow analysis of the large amount of complex data collected from postmortem dissections, laboratory tests and histopathological examinations by dedicated teams of vets and scientists in both jurisdictions. These tools aid the presentation of this data in an accessible and vibrant way to allow this information to be shared with all stakeholders. It is the selection and submission of cases by private veterinary practitioners and animal keepers that enables this animal health surveillance work to be performed and we want to thank them for their contribution.
Notes to editors:
AFBI is an arms-length body of DAERA delivering research and development, diagnostic and analytical testing, emergency response capability and expert scientific advice for DAERA and other government departments, public bodies and commercial companies in Northern Ireland, and further afield.
AFBI’s Vision is “Scientific excellence delivering impactful and sustainable outcomes for society, economy and the natural environment”.
AFBI’s Purpose is to deliver trusted, independent research, statutory & surveillance science, and expert advice that addresses local and global challenges, informs government policy and industry decision making, and underpins a sustainable agri-food industry and the natural and marine environments.
AFBI’s strategic priorities:
- Leading improvements in the agri-food industry to enhance its sustainability;
- Protecting animal, plant and human health;
- Enhancing the natural and marine environment;
- Delivering quality outcomes and impact;
- Enabling world class science through excellence in people, places & technology.