Korean Journal of Veterinary Research (대한수의학회지)

The Korean Society of Veterinary Science (대한수의학회)
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Current status and challenges in disease surveillance and epidemiological investigation systems for companion animals in South Korea

  • Beom Jun Lee (College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungbuk National University) ;
  • Kyung-Duk Min (College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungbuk National University)
  • Received : 2024.06.04
  • Accepted : 2024.06.11
  • Published : 2024.06.30
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Abstract

The surveillance and epidemiological investigation systems for companion animals in South Korea are significantly underdeveloped compared to those for humans and livestock. Recent outbreaks, such as idiopathic neuromuscular syndrome and highly pathogenic avian influenza among cats, have highlighted the need for reliable systems. This short review conducts situation analysis regarding disease surveillance and epidemiological investigation for companion animals in South Korea. The current challenges include an absence of administrative leadership, a lack of legal support, and unreliable medical data. The recommendations for future directions include clear leadership by the Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency, amending the Act on the Prevention of Contagious Animal Diseases to include companion animals, and enhancing the quality of medical data through standardized coding systems, such as Systematized Nomenclature of Medicine Clinical Terms. In addition, sentinel surveillance rather than universal systems should be established to provide adequate incentives for local practitioners to provide data and develop sustainable public-private networks. These recommendations could be important for developing a comprehensive and sustainable system for disease surveillance and epidemiological investigation in the companion animal field.

Keywords

Acknowledgement

This work was carried out with the support of "Cooperative Research Program for Agriculture Science and Technology Development (Project No. RS-2023-00232301). Rural Development Administration, Republic of Korea.

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