Surveillance and reporting of zoonotic diseases: Perception of partnership and communication between state animal health officials and state public health veterinarians

Zoonotic or species jumping infectious agents can be transmitted from wild and domestic animals to humans and are a public health threat worldwide. Working partnerships and communication structures between animal health agencies and officials are paramount when monitoring and exchanging surveillance and reporting information of zoonotic disease episodes. However, past research has indicated that communication and reporting methods vary widely among states, with some states having minimal or no collaboration between animal health professionals at all. Therefore, guided by a social network theory, the current research examined whether communication structures and the assignment of roles and responsibilities between agencies had improved since a prior survey. Survey research was used to gather data from state animal health officials and state public health veterinarians (n=41). Frequency tables, chi-square analysis, and Fisher's exact test determined that there was a significant increase in frequency of meetings and satisfaction in communications. Additionally, roles and responsibilities of the members of the agencies as well as the agencies themselves were determined to have become more clearly defined with written protocols over a 4 year period. Based on the data analysis, perception of partnership and communication between animal and public health agencies has improved with regard to zoonotic disease surveillance and reporting. Findings from this research helped to clarify the need for improved partnerships between animal health officials, including those in the wildlife sector. This research will be an important contribution to the existing literature and will enhance social change initiatives through improved communication, surveillance, and reporting among animal health officials.