Controlling infectious diseases in animals

Infectious diseases in animals impact the social and economic well-being of people around the globe. EU-funded scientists are prioritising diseases and developing tools to effectively eradicate them.

The European Technology Platform for Global Animal Health (ETPGAH), launched in 2004, has developed a Strategic Research Agenda (SRA) and resulting Action Plan (AP). In line with proposals, scientists initiated the EU-funded project ''Development of the most effective tools to control infectious diseases in animals'' (DISCONTOOLS).

Using a peer-reviewed methodology, scientists have developed a validated database of diseases in order to prioritise them. They are analysing the current state of affairs to identify deficits in information and/or tools (gap analysis) for high-priority diseases. Finally, researchers are defining current or needed technological tools to improve the control of infectious diseases.

The project website contains a database of over 50 diseases with links to disease details and a summary. Continuing work is focused on establishing expert groups for the 51 diseases and assimilating the scores related to prioritisation and gap analyses. During this reporting period, scientists delivered an information technology (IT) tool for interactive prioritisation with web access and have prioritised 12 diseases. Gap analyses have been realised for 23 of the 51 diseases. Scientists are continuously updating the lists of vaccines and diagnostics available in Europe.

DISCONTOOLS is focusing on prioritising research to deliver new vaccines, pharmaceuticals and diagnostic tests for more effective and economical eradication of numerous animal diseases. Economic and social benefits for Europeans and the rest of the world will be significant.

Related link:
http://cordis.europa.eu