Epidemiology

Veterinary epidemiology plays a crucial role in understanding, preventing, and controlling diseases that affect animal populations. With the resurgence and rapid (global) spread of diseases such a ASF, LSD or Bluetongue the discipline has gained global importance. Epidemiologists study patterns of disease occurrence, transmission, and risk factors to develop effective control strategies. The field also supports livestock production by minimizing economic losses caused by infectious diseases.
Current trends in veterinary epidemiology emphasize the One Health approach, integrating animal, human, and environmental health. Advances in molecular epidemiology, GIS-based disease mapping, and predictive modelling are transforming disease surveillance and outbreak response. Big data analytics and artificial intelligence are increasingly used to detect emerging threats early. Moreover, climate change, wildlife interactions, and antimicrobial resistance have become key focus areas. Overall, veterinary epidemiology is a vital discipline in preventing epidemics, improving animal welfare, and protecting global health. The discipline has a major role in the development of the STAR IDAZ research roadmaps on control strategies.