Potential and Challenges of Community-Based Surveillance in Animal Health: A Pilot Study Among Equine Owners in Switzerland.
Authors: Özçelik Ranya, Remy-Wohlfender Franziska, Küker Susanne, Visschers Vivianne, Hadorn Daniela, Dürr Salome
Journal: Frontiers in veterinary science
Summary
# Editorial Summary Swiss researchers piloted a community-based surveillance (CBS) system called Equi-Commun to evaluate whether horse owners—as frontline observers—could effectively report clinical signs to enhance disease detection and close gaps in traditional surveillance networks. An online questionnaire revealed that 65.5% of 1,078 equine owners were willing to report clinical observations, with French-speaking owners and those holding positive attitudes toward surveillance showing greatest inclination; however, when the platform operated from October 2018 to December 2019, it received only four reports, prompting qualitative interviews to understand this striking disconnect. Three interdependent barriers emerged: the Swiss equine community lacked perceived need for additional surveillance, insufficient clinical case prevalence meant owners forgot about the tool between incidents, and inadequate targeted communication failed to establish awareness and uptake. Whilst owner-generated surveillance data could theoretically provide valuable early warning signals complementary to official veterinary systems, the modest reporting rate and substantial implementation effort required raise questions about cost-benefit justification—suggesting that CBS success depends critically on addressing community engagement, system visibility, and demonstrable relevance before launching platforms. These findings offer important cautionary guidance for future disease surveillance initiatives seeking to harness lay observers' potential.
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Practical Takeaways
- •While equine owners express interest in reporting health observations, there is a significant gap between stated intention and actual behaviour—implementation of owner-reporting systems requires more than willingness alone
- •Successful disease surveillance networks depend on frequent enough disease occurrence to keep systems top-of-mind; sporadic cases may not justify the effort required to maintain engagement
- •Heavy investment in communication, accessibility, and stakeholder engagement is essential before launching community-based surveillance initiatives—passive tools without active promotion will fail regardless of owner attitudes
Key Findings
- •65.5% of equine owners surveyed indicated willingness to report clinical observations to a community-based surveillance system
- •French-speaking owners and those with positive attitudes toward surveillance were significantly more likely to report clinical signs
- •Community-based surveillance tool (Equi-Commun) received only 4 reports over 14 months despite apparent willingness to participate
- •Successful implementation requires community perceived need for surveillance, sufficient disease incidence in the population, and intensive targeted communication