Economics of zoonoses surveillance in a 'One Health' context: an assessment of Campylobacter surveillance in Switzerland

Abstract

Cross-sectorial surveillance and general collaboration between the animal and the public health sectors are increasingly recognized as needed to better manage the impacts of zoonoses. From 2009, the Swiss established a Campylobacter mitigation system that includes human and poultry surveillance data-sharing within a multi-sectorial platform, in a 'One Health' approach. The objective of this study was to explore the economics of this cross-sectorial approach, including surveillance and triggered interventions. Costs and benefits of the One Health and of the uni-sectorial approach to Campylobacter surveillance were identified using an economic assessment framework developed earlier. Cost information of surveillance activities and interventions was gathered and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) associated with the disease estimated for 2008 and 2013. In the first 5 years of this One Health approach to Campylobacter mitigation, surveillance contributed with information mainly used to perform risk assessments, monitor trends and shape research efforts on Campylobacter. There was an increase in costs associated with the mitigation activities following integration, due mainly to the allocation of additional resources to research and implementation of poultry surveillance. The overall burden of campylobacteriosis increased by 3·4-8·8% to 1751-2852 DALYs in 2013. In the timing of the analysis, added value associated with this cross-sectorial approach to surveillance of Campylobacter in the country was likely generated through non-measurable benefits such as intellectual capital and social capital.

Keywords: Campylobacter; One Health; One health surveillance; economic assessment; zoonoses.

Fig. 1.

Overview of the steps taken in the economic assessment of Campylobacter surveillance in Switzerland in a One Health perspective following the conceptual framework used in this study [18].

Fig. 2.

Conceptual representation of the links between Campylobacter surveillance and triggered activities across the public health and the animal health sectors and the benefit streams generated, in 2009–2013.

Fig. 3.

Costs of Campylobacter mitigation activities in Switzerland per activity undertaken, from 2004 to 2013 (CHF) and estimates of overall campylobacteriosis burden of disease (DALYs) for 2008 and 2013 (best- and worst-case scenarios for estimated true incidence).