Transboundary Animal Diseases
The working group, headed by Dr Anja Globig, supports and promotes the development and implementation of conceptual and innovative animal disease control and laboratory diagnostics at an international level. The focus of the working group is on the control of notifiable animal diseases, in particular transboundary animal diseases (TADs). We pursue an interdisciplinary approach in order to develop tailor-made surveillance programmes, control measures, biosecurity concepts and risk analyses, which also includes research work. The conceptual approach includes advice on the legal framework, the inclusion of relevant socio-economic factors and support for international networking, particularly with neighbouring countries. In addition, we support the development of laboratory diagnostics and research in the Global South.
Main areas and projects:
- Joint research work within an interdisciplinary framework and international orientation
- Research into animal disease control, surveillance and diagnostic methods for use in resource-limited countries
- Risk assessment for highly pathogenic avian influenza
- Involvement in EU activities (e.g. EU Vet mission)
- Education and training of scientists from abroad
- Ethics in animal disease control
Disease Intelligence
The group works on surveillance and early detection strategies for transboundary animal diseases and zoonoses. A particular focus is on populations often neglected in surveillance schemes such as animals in small scale and backyard production. This work goes along with monitoring and analysis of disease occurrence and applied control strategies. The latter is partly co-implemented with the Robert Kock-Institute as German public health institution as well as the Foreign Office.
Development Cooperation
The working group focuses on the topics Development Cooperation and disease intelligence. The importance of livestock for rural communities in low- and middle-income countries is often reflected in development cooperation efforts, supporting value chains related to livestock production. The working group provides advice and technical support for interventions targeting the livestock sector with a special emphasis on health and production and aiming for improved veterinary services in the target countries. The One Health concept, aiming for holistic approaches to health acknowledging the interaction between human health, animal health and environmental health, should be seen as a fundamental principle in all disciplines working in the field of infectiology. The working group assists in the planning and implementation of One Health activities at all levels from direct fieldwork to inter-institutional strategy development.
