Contents of coordination in surveillance of zoonotic diseases in Vietnam

Contents of coordination in surveillance of zoonotic diseases in Vietnam (Internet image)

Regarding this issue, LawNet would like to answer as follows:

1. Contents of coordination in surveillance of zoonotic diseases in Vietnam

According to Article 4 of Joint Circular 16/2013/TTLT-BYT-BNN&PTNT, the contents of coordination in the surveillance of zoonotic diseases are regulated as follows:

(1) Exchange of information on cases and outbreaks in animals or humans:

- Information on animal disease cases and outbreaks:

+ The date of detection of the disease case, the first outbreak of suspected disease or confirmation of having a disease that can be transmitted to humans;

+ Name and species of infected animal;

+ Location of disease cases, animal outbreaks, number of cases, deaths, and number of infected herds;

+ Clinical symptoms of animals suspected or confirmed to have zoonotic diseases;

+ Test results: test date, test method, number of samples tested, number of positive and negative tests;

+ Characteristics of the animal husbandry of infected animals;

+ Measures to prevent and combat the disease have been implemented;

Proposing and recommending further solutions.

- Information on human cases and outbreaks:

+ Date of onset and date of recording of the first case or outbreak in humans suspected or confirmed to have zoonotic diseases;

+ Location and number of cases and deaths;

+ Main symptoms of cases of infection and death;

+ Test results: test date, test method, number of samples tested, number of positive and negative tests;

+ Risk factors;

+ Measures to prevent and combat the disease have been implemented;

Proposing and recommending further solutions.

(2) Sharing patient samples:

- All specimens of animals suspected of having a disease that can be transmitted to humans or of a person suspected of having zoonotic diseases collected during surveillance during an outbreak investigation must be provided to veterinary or health authorities upon written request at the same level;

- Time to perform sample sharing: within 48 hours of receiving the request.

2. Methods of exchanging information in the surveillance of zoonotic diseases in Vietnam

Methods of exchanging information in the surveillance of zoonotic diseases are regulated as follows:

- The exchange of information in the surveillance of zoonotic diseases in unexpected or periodic cases must be done in writing.

- Emergency cases can be communicated in person, by phone, fax, or email, but within 24 hours since the detection of a case, an outbreak in humans, or an animal suspected of having a zoonotic disease, a document must be sent in accordance with Appendix 2 or according to Appendix 3 issued together with Joint Circular 16/2013/TTLT-BYT-BNN&PTNT.

- The exchange of information on a monthly, quarterly, and yearly basis on the situation of diseases transmitted from animals to humans shall comply with Appendix 4 or Appendix 5 promulgated together with Joint Circular 16/2013/TTLT-BYT-BNN&PTNT.

(Article 5 of Joint Circular 16/2013/TTLT-BYT-BNN&PTNT)

3. Principles of coordination in surveillance of zoonotic diseases in Vietnam

Pursuant to Article 3 of Joint Circular 16/2013/TTLT-BYT-BNN&PTNT, the principles of coordination in the surveillance of zoonotic diseases are regulated as follows:

- Equality, respect, and mutual support for the common purpose of protecting, taking care and improving people's health.

- Ensuring the initiative, timeliness, and continuity of all coordination activities.

Nguyen Thi Hoai Thuong

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