Sustaining and Strengthening Capacity of Regional Networks and Partnership to Respond Emerging Infectious Diseases in Asia

1. An Ecohealth Approach to Develop a Strategy for the Prudent Use of Antimicrobials to Control Antimicrobial Resistance in Human, Animal, and Environmental Health in Asia (AMR)

This is an antimicrobial research project conducted in 5 countries (China, Lao PDR, Indonesia, Thailand and Vietnam). The objective of this study is to explore, develop, and assess the effectiveness of a strategy for the proper use of antimicrobials in humans and animals to control antimicrobial resistance in China and Southeast Asia. The study status is active until the end of 2016.

2. Surveillance of Emerging Infectious Diseases in Wildlife Trade to Increase Awareness for Zoonosis Prevention and Wildlife Conservation

East and Southeast Asia are one of legal and illegal wildlife trade hotspot in the world, functioning as supplier, consumer and a general import-export emporium. In addition, illegal wildlife hunting was common found in the community close to the forest of the region. Wild mammals, birds, and reptiles flow daily through trading centers, where they are in contact with persons and with dozens of other species before they are shipped to other markets, sold locally, or even freed and sent back into the wild as part of religious customs such as merit release or because they become unwanted pets. These risks may promote the outbreak of emerging or reemerging disease among domestic animal and human populations. Wildlife trade provided mechanisms for disease transmission at levels that not only cause human disease outbreaks but also threaten livestock, international trade, rural livelihoods, native wildlife populations, and ecosystem health. Thus, the information of zoonosis related with wildlife trading should be well exhibited for potentially management of emerging disease control. Moreover, the understanding and awareness of the wildlife trade related people should be improved for zoonotic EIDs prevention and decreases wildlife consuming which will support wildlife diversity and also wildlife reintroduction program of the region.

The study is collaboration between Cambodia, China, Lao PDR, Vietnam and Thailand. The study status is active until early 2017.

Reducing Biosecurity Threats from Infectious Diseases of Pandemic Potential

The objective is strengthening capacity of regional network on diseases surveillance and outbreak Investigation that will be conducted by APEIR and MBDS. In addition to this activity, this project will also serve as ASEAN + 3 Field Epidemiology Training Network (FETN)'s training activity. CORDS will help facilitate APEIR and MBDS to the other networks in other regions.The study was done in May 2016.