Veterinary Epidemiology and Zoonosis

Sources of veterinary epidemiological data

SOURCE OF VETERINARY EPIDEMIOLOGICAL DATA

• The data related to disease and the associated factors are utilized for epidemiological investigations.
• The collection of data always involves a cost, which includes postal charges for questionnaire and laboratory examination charges.
• It is very important to note that knowledge regarding the suitable sources for particular disease is very much essential before collection of data.
• The data from certain sources may be unsuitable and may not serve any purpose.
• The objective of Epidemiological investigation is very clear to the suppliers of data and only then they co-operate.
• The questionnaire must be so designed that it should not be complex and time consuming, and should be easily understandable.
• Generally the government provides funds fore collection of information on those diseases that are of a economic important to that particular state of country.
• Poor laboratory diagnostic facility and insufficient manpower may hinder in collection of data.
• Its always better to study number of diseases at a time so that repeated visit to the same place can be avoided.
• Due to well developed veterinary infra structure and disease recording system in developed countries, the data obtained from majority of the sources are actual.
• However this is not so with developing countries where the diagnostic infrastructure is lacking.
• Therefore, all the sources may not be able to provide the desired epidemiological data.