Korean J Vet Res.  2024 Jun;64(2):e18. 10.14405/kjvr.20240035.

Current status and challenges in disease surveillance and epidemiological investigation systems for companion animals in South Korea

• Lee BJ
• Min KD

• KMID: 2557344
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.14405/kjvr.20240035

Abstract

The surveillance and epidemiological investigation systems for companion animals in South Korea are significantly underdeveloped compared to those for humans and livestock. Recent outbreaks, such as idiopathic neuromuscular syndrome and highly pathogenic avian influenza among cats, have highlighted the need for reliable systems. This short review conducts situation analysis regarding disease surveillance and epidemiological investigation for companion animals in South Korea. The current challenges include an absence of administrative leadership, a lack of legal support, and unreliable medical data. The recommendations for future directions include clear leadership by the Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency, amending the Act on the Prevention of Contagious Animal Diseases to include companion animals, and enhancing the quality of medical data through standardized coding systems, such as Systematized Nomenclature of Medicine Clinical Terms. In addition, sentinel surveillance rather than universal systems should be established to provide adequate incentives for local practitioners to provide data and develop sustainable public–private networks. These recommendations could be important for developing a comprehensive and sustainable system for disease surveillance and epidemiological investigation in the companion animal field.

Keyword

disease surveillance; epidemiological investigation; companion animals; Republic of Korea; disease control