e-Surveillance in animal health : use and evaluation of mobile tools

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Authors

Madder, Maxime
Walker, J.G.
Van Rooyen, Jacques
Knobel, Darryn Leslie
Vandamme, E.
Berkvens, Dirk
Vanwambeke, Sophie O.
De Clercq, E.M.

Journal Title

Journal ISSN

Volume Title

Publisher

Cambridge University Press

Abstract

In the last decade, mobile technology offered new opportunities and challenges in animal health surveillance. It began with the use of basic mobile phones and short message service (SMS) for disease reporting, and the development of smartphones and other mobile tools has expanded the possibilities for data collection. These tools assist in the collection of data as well as geo-referenced mapping of diseases, and mapping, visualization and identification of vectors such as ticks. In this article we share our findings about new technologies in the domain of animal health surveillance, based on several projects using a wide range of mobile tools, each with their specific applicability and limitations. For each of the tools used, a comprehensive overview is given about its applicability, limitations, technical requirements, cost and also the perception of the users.The evaluation of the tools clearly shows the importance of selecting the appropriate tool depending on the envisaged data to be collected. Accessibility, visualization and cost related to data collection differ significantly among the tools tested. This paper can thus be seen as a practical guide to the currently available tools.

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Keywords

Mobile technology, Smart phones, Short message service (SMS)

Sustainable Development Goals

Citation

Madder, M, Walker, JG, Van Rooyen, J, Knobel, D, Vandamme, E, Berkvens, D, Vanwambeke, SO & De Clercq, EM, 2012, 'e-Surveillance in animal health : use and evaluation of mobile tools', Parasitology, NYP.