‘Next-Generation’ surveillance: an epidemiologists’ perspective on the use of molecular information in food safety and animal health decision-making

Muellner, P., Stärk, K.D.C., Dufour, S. and Zadoks, R.N. (2016) ‘Next-Generation’ surveillance: an epidemiologists’ perspective on the use of molecular information in food safety and animal health decision-making. Zoonoses and Public Health, 63(5), pp. 351-357. (doi: 10.1111/zph.12230) (PMID:26537766)

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Abstract

Advances in the availability and affordability of molecular and genomic data are transforming human health care. Surveillance aimed at supporting and improving food safety and animal health is likely to undergo a similar transformation. We propose a definition of ‘molecular surveillance’ in this context and argue that molecular data are an adjunct to rather than a substitute for sound epidemiological study and surveillance design. Specific considerations with regard to sample collection are raised, as is the importance of the relation between the molecular clock speed of genetic markers and the spatiotemporal scale of the surveillance activity, which can be control- or strategy-focused. Development of standards for study design and assessment of molecular surveillance system attributes is needed, together with development of an interdisciplinary skills base covering both molecular and epidemiological principles.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Zadoks, Professor Ruth
Authors: Muellner, P., Stärk, K.D.C., Dufour, S., and Zadoks, R.N.
College/School:College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Biodiversity, One Health & Veterinary Medicine
Journal Name:Zoonoses and Public Health
Publisher:Wiley
ISSN:1863-1959
ISSN (Online):1863-2378
Published Online:05 November 2015
Copyright Holders:Copyright © 2015 Blackwell Verlag GmbH
First Published:First published in Zoonoses and Public Health 63(5): 351-357
Publisher Policy:Reproduced in accordance with the publisher copyright policy

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