Surveillance and investigation of animal health
Module information>
This module will provide you with an overview of the different methods suitable for designing surveillance programmes as well as the tools that can be used to assist decision making in relation to control and prevention.
Topics covered
The module consists of nine units of study, all of which you should complete. They make up the following three sections.
Section 1 Risk Analysis
In this section (Units 1–3) risk analysis is introduced, with a particular emphasis on its use for trade policy decisions. It begins with a thorough discussion of the generic framework underlying this methodology. Both qualitative and quantitative risk assessment methods are presented in some detail, and models are developed actively using @RISK computer software. An introduction to probability theory is included as it is required in the design of quantitative risk assessment models.
Section 2 Herd Health Surveillance and Management
The second section (Units 4–7) covers various aspects of design and implementation of regional and farm-level production and disease surveillance programmes. It includes the specific requirements for dealing with epidemic, exotic and emerging disease problems. The methods and the necessary infrastructure are discussed, and control strategies for handling disease outbreaks are introduced. This section also provides background on the use of farm-level herd health and production programmes.
Section 3 Introduction to Data Management and Simulation Modelling
The third section (Units 8 and 9) provides an introduction to database design and related methods for more effective manipulation of data collected as part of surveillance or research activities. The basic principles of simulation modelling as a tool in animal health decision making are then introduced.
Computer requirements
The following software will be required to complete your studies.
@Risk: Please note, that to run @Risk on a Mac computer you will need to do so in Windows. Microsoft Office for Mac is not supported. For further information on the Mac requirements please refer to Palisade Knowledge Base.
The fee for the software licence required is valid for one year and is incorporated into the module fee. If studies for the module should extend into a second year, then an additional software fee may be payable.
Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Access: Comprehensive help and resources for Excel and Access are provided in the teaching material to help perform the required activities:
- Microsoft Excel: If using a Mac, the Excel layout may look different to a PC version.
- Microsoft Access: Additionally, Mac computers do not have the equivalent of Microsoft Access and you will be required to set up your Mac to run as a PC, using appropriate software such as Parallels, Bootcamp, or similar.
- For Mac usage, students are recommended to investigate prior to registering for this module, as there may be additional costs incurred.
Learning outcomes
By the end of this module you should be able to:
- describe the methods involved in risk analysis of animal health problems.
- explain the components of disease surveillance and control at regional and farm level.
- discuss the use of farm-level health and production information systems.
- describe selected approaches to database design and data manipulation.
- outline how simulation modelling can be used as part of policy development in animal health.
Assessment
Your work for this module will be assessed by means of an unseen written examination paper which will take the form of essay questions. In addition, you must submit at least one and up to three TMAs.
The grade awarded will be based on the mark obtained in the written examination (80%) and on the mark for the compulsory assignment (20%).
Module information sheets
Download the full module information sheet from the RVC website.