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Garcia-Vozmediano A, De Meneghi D, Sprong H, Portillo A, Oteo JA, Tomassone L. A One Health Evaluation of the Surveillance Systems on Tick-Borne Diseases in the Netherlands, Spain and Italy. Vet Sci 2022; 9:vetsci9090504. [PMID: 36136720 PMCID: PMC9501221 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci9090504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2022] [Revised: 09/06/2022] [Accepted: 09/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Ixodid ticks and tick-borne diseases are expanding their geographical range, but surveillance activities vary among countries. We analysed the surveillance systems in place in the Netherlands, Spain and Italy, to identify ideal elements to monitor tick-borne diseases, by using a One Health evaluation protocol. We identified differences among the three surveillance systems, with the Dutch initiative showing a high level of transdisciplinary collaboration, good identification of the actors and engagement of the public in research and education. Measurable outcomes have been generated, such as the reduction in tick bites and the discovery of new pathogens and tick species. In Italy and Spain, surveillance systems are based on compulsory notification to health authorities; legislation seems relevant but law enforcement alongside the availability of economic resources is rather fragmented and limited to the most severe diseases. The non-scientific community is marginally considered and collaborations are limited to local initiatives. Research activities in both countries have mostly contributed to gaining knowledge on the distribution of tick species and the discovery of new pathogens. Although all TBD surveillance plans comply with the EU regulations, the initiatives characterised by trans-disciplinary collaboration may be more effective for the surveillance and prevention of tick-transmitted diseases. Abstract To identify ideal elements for the monitoring and prevention of tick-borne diseases (TBD), we analysed the surveillance systems in place in the Netherlands, Spain and Italy. We applied a semi-quantitative evaluation to identify outcomes and assess the degree of One Health implementation. Differences emerged in the surveillance initiatives, as well as the One Health scores. The Dutch surveillance is dominated by a high level of transdisciplinary and trans-sectoral collaboration, enabling communication and data sharing among actors. Different project-based monitoring, research and educational activities are centrally coordinated and the non-scientific community is actively involved. All this yielded measurable health outcomes. In Italy and Spain, TBD surveillance and reporting systems are based on compulsory notification. Law enforcement, alongside dedicated time and availability of economic resources, is fragmented and limited to the most severe health issues. Veterinary and human medicine are the most involved disciplines, with the first prevailing in some contexts. Stakeholders are marginally considered and collaborations limited to local initiatives. Research activities have mostly contributed to gaining knowledge on the distribution of tick vectors and discovery of new pathogens. Although all TBD surveillance plans comply with EU regulations, initiatives characterised by transdisciplinary collaboration may be more effective for the surveillance and prevention of TBD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aitor Garcia-Vozmediano
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, L. go Braccini, 2, 10095 Grugliasco, TO, Italy
- Correspondence:
| | - Daniele De Meneghi
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, L. go Braccini, 2, 10095 Grugliasco, TO, Italy
- Network for EcoHealth and One Health (NEOH), European Chapter of Ecohealth International, Kreuzstrasse 2, P.O. Box, 4123 Allschwil, Switzerland
| | - Hein Sprong
- Centre for Infectious Disease Control, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Antonie van Leeuwenhoeklaan 9, 3720 MA Bilthoven, The Netherlands
| | - Aránzazu Portillo
- Center of Rickettsiosis and Arthropod-Borne Diseases (CRETAV), Department of Infectious Diseases, San Pedro University Hospital-Center for Biomedical Research of La Rioja (CIBIR), Calle Piqueras 98, 26006 Logroño, La Rioja, Spain
| | - José A. Oteo
- Center of Rickettsiosis and Arthropod-Borne Diseases (CRETAV), Department of Infectious Diseases, San Pedro University Hospital-Center for Biomedical Research of La Rioja (CIBIR), Calle Piqueras 98, 26006 Logroño, La Rioja, Spain
| | - Laura Tomassone
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, L. go Braccini, 2, 10095 Grugliasco, TO, Italy
- Network for EcoHealth and One Health (NEOH), European Chapter of Ecohealth International, Kreuzstrasse 2, P.O. Box, 4123 Allschwil, Switzerland
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