Applied Epidemiology and Control Flashcards
What are the three main strategies for disease prevention and control in veterinary public health?
Host susceptibility reduction: Increase resistance or decrease susceptibility (e.g., vaccination).
Transmission reduction via the environment: Quarantine, biosecurity, and vector control.
Pathogen reduction: Use of therapeutics and decreasing pathogen population.
What are the methods for disease eradication?
Test and removal: Slaughtering positive cases (e.g., bovine tuberculosis).
Pre-emptive culling: Slaughtering exposed animals (e.g., avian influenza).
Blanket culling: Removing all animals in an affected area (e.g., African swine fever).
Stamping out: Combining culling with disinfection and preventive measures.
What are the main steps in an outbreak investigation?
Observation and recording of disease occurrence.
Presentation and analysis of data (e.g., morbidity rates).
Determining the cause (causal principles and approaches).
Implementing control measures based on findings.
What is the role of veterinarians in an outbreak investigation?
Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to identify the source of infection.
Recommend and implement control measures.
Provide expertise in zoonotic diseases and biosecurity.
Communicate risks to clients and stakeholders.
What is the definition of a disease outbreak according to WHO?
A disease outbreak occurs when cases of disease exceed the expected level in a defined community, geographical area, or season.
What are the roles of an Outbreak Control Team (OCT)?
Investigate the source and etiology of infection.
Understand transmission dynamics.
Implement control measures to protect public health.
What are the components of disease prevention at the environmental level?
Restricting host movement (e.g., quarantine).
Vector control (e.g., tick management).
Enhancing biosecurity (e.g., controlling fomites).
How do you calculate DALYs, and why are they significant in public health?
DALYs measure the combined burden of disease, considering years lost due to premature death and years lived with disability. Diseases causing early mortality or long-term disability have higher DALYs.
What factors should be considered when determining control strategies for a disease?
Economic, welfare, and socio-political impacts.
Public health significance.
Type of disease and effectiveness of measures.
What lessons can be learned from the E. coli O157 outbreak in Belfast (2012)?
Importance of prompt outbreak investigation and hygiene practices.
Cross-contamination from infected food handlers.
Role of public communication in managing outbreaks.
