Creating and Utilizing a Novel Veterinary Based Passive and Syndromic Disease Surveillance System in Washington, DC

BACKGROUND:  In the United States (US) most state and local jurisdictions conduct only rabies virus surveillance in companion animals, leaving other diseases unmonitored. Due to the US Federal government’s location within the District of Columbia (DC), the region is at increased risk of bioterrorism, making identifying the natural endemic disease levels of animal populations important. In this study we summarize the creation, deployment, and use of a companion animal disease surveillance system in DC.

METHODS:  From April 14, 2015, through May 8, 2015, all veterinary related facilities in DC (n=17) were surveyed about their interest participating in disease surveillance and what diseases to monitor. Based on survey results, an online reporting system (including syndromic reporting) was developed, piloted, and launched. Passive and syndromic companion animal surveillance was conducted from August 12, 2015, through January 2, 2016, including escalated daily syndromic surveillance during the 2015 Papal Visit.

RESULTS:  Of the 17 facilities surveyed: 10 completed the survey, 9 indicating interest in passive surveillance. Canine influenza (9/9), canine leptospirosis (9/9), and antibiotic resistant infections (7/9) were the most selected diseases to report. This expanded to include canine parvovirus on September 8, 2015, at the request of system stakeholders. On October 8, 2015, a facility reported a large number of parvovirus cases, sharing historic case data with the DC Department of Health. There was a >80% increase in cases during September 2015 (n=17) compared to cumulative numbers from June 2015 through August 2015 (n=9). A press release was issued on November 4, 2015, encouraging vaccination in dogs. The press release was covered on a local television station and several online media outlets. Signage with the same message was posted in DC dog parks on November 25, 2015. Case numbers fell in October (n=4), November (n=1), and December 2015 (n=1). Additionally, 4 cases of canine leptospirosis were detected as well as an increase in cases with upper respiratory signs during October 2015. No cases of canine influenza or antibiotic resistant infections were reported and no significant events were detected during the 2015 Papal Visit.

CONCLUSIONS:  Small animal veterinarians, community members, and media outlets are interested in companion animal disease trends. Partnerships between health departments and these stakeholders can improve the health of pets, detect zoonotic disease outbreaks early, and serve as an early warning system for bioterrorism events. The surveillance system described can be used as a model to achieve these goals in other US jurisdictions.