Research Roundup: Co-creation of risk maps for disease surveillance
CAHFS News

Three examples of risk maps examining invasive Eurasian watermilfoil,  Johne's disease, and animal Anthrax. Image courtesy of Kaushi Kanankege

Risk maps and risk regionalization are important tools for understanding disease spread and planning intervention strategies during a disease outbreak. Risk maps are visualizations of risk of a disease in an area, primarily depicting “disease hot spots” or “risk-free areas.” These maps then help divide areas based on the risk of the disease, a process commonly referred to as “risk regionalization.” While simple disease maps show only geographic distribution of disease events, risk maps are developed using epidemiological tools that account for the location and time of disease events, underlying risk factors, and probabilities of disease introduction to a certain area. 

These mapping tools are used often by researchers to improve data collection; however, the practical application of risk maps to inform actionable steps is only possible if the researchers work together with stakeholders. This approach to stakeholder engagement is referred to as “co-creation of knowledge,” but the practice is not well documented in the field of veterinary sciences.

Therefore, a team of researchers at the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine recently published a perspective in Frontiers in Veterinary Science on the process of using risk maps and risk regionalization as tools to inform actionable decisions through stakeholder engagement, based on three case studies. Working with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, the Dairy Herd Improvement Association, and the Minnesota Board of Animal Health, the team explored how epidemiologists or researchers in academia can work collaboratively with stakeholders who could use risk maps for decision-making or creating policies on quarantine, vaccination, and surveillance, intended to prevent or control threats to human, animal, or environmental health.

The study suggests that, while it is an iterative process of consistent interactions, this intentional collaboration between researchers and key stakeholders could enhance the utility of risk maps, while also identifying opportunities to improve data collection, analysis, interpretation, and ultimately, the implementation of evidence-based disease management and policy measures. 

For more information on this publication, contact author Kaushi Kanankege, [email protected]
 

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