Natalia edit

Summary

This module provides a detailed overview of Argentina's efforts to control hydatidosis, a parasitic disease, through a coordinated approach involving the Ministry of Agriculture, Health, and other regional entities. It highlights the country's surveillance strategies, including active screening in children, dogs, and the environment, as well as preventative measures such as vaccination and public education. Despite a decline in cases, the disease remains a challenge, especially in rural areas. The collaboration between governmental bodies, international organizations, and local communities is emphasized in the ongoing fight to eliminate hydatidosis and reduce human cases to zero.

Takeaways

• 😀 The control of hydatidosis in Argentina is managed through a national program coordinated by SENASA under the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock.
• 😀 Hydatidosis is a notifiable disease in Argentina, with active surveillance programs targeting children under 15 years of age.
• 😀 Portable ultrasound machines have been distributed to provinces to help in the detection and diagnosis of hydatidosis.
• 😀 Surveillance efforts also include monitoring dogs, environmental contamination, and using PCR to detect antigens.
• 😀 Efforts to expand surveillance across the country are ongoing, but systematic monitoring is only implemented in some provinces at the moment.
• 😀 Argentina has seen a downward trend in mortality from hydatidosis in recent years due to early detection and treatment efforts.
• 😀 Despite a general decline in human cases, hydatidosis-related deaths still occur, particularly in adults.
• 😀 Surveillance data from slaughterhouses help track hydatidosis in livestock, revealing trends in both bovine and ovine populations.
• 😀 Regional livestock production correlates with the distribution of hydatidosis cases, with higher cases in southern and central Argentina, particularly in areas with large populations of bovines and sheep.
• 😀 Prevention activities include educational campaigns using radio, flyers, and social media, especially targeting rural communities.
• 😀 The Argentine government provides free antiparasitic treatment in endemic areas and supports the responsible management of pet populations to control hydatidosis.

Q & A

What is the focus of the presentation in the script?

The presentation focuses on the current epidemiological situation of hydatidosis in Argentina, particularly its distribution, surveillance efforts, and control measures.

How is hydatidosis monitored in Argentina?

Hydatidosis is monitored under the national zoonosis program, coordinated by SENASA, within the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, and Fisheries. Active surveillance is conducted, including searches for cases in children under 15 and animals, with efforts to control the disease.

What is the primary surveillance method used for human cases of hydatidosis?

The primary surveillance method includes active searches for human cases in children under 15 years old using portable ultrasound devices and fecal samples from dogs. These efforts are not yet systematic across all provinces but are being expanded.

What is the target number of human cases of hydatidosis in Argentina?

The target is to reach zero cases of hydatidosis in children under 15 years of age, as they are considered key indicators of recent infections in the environment and animal populations.

How does Argentina address the issue of animal reservoirs for hydatidosis?

Argentina monitors animal reservoirs like canines, bovines, ovines, and porcines, particularly in slaughterhouses, as they can carry the disease. Surveillance and post-mortem inspections are conducted in certified slaughterhouses to track the disease's prevalence.

What measures are being taken to prevent hydatidosis in animals?

Preventive measures include providing antiparasitics, conducting mass sterilizations of dogs, and vaccinating livestock in endemic areas. There is also a focus on responsible pet ownership to reduce the risk of transmission.

What is the trend in hydatidosis cases in children over the past 15 years?

There has been a declining trend in hydatidosis cases in children under 15 years old over the last 15 years, although cases still occur, indicating the need for continued vigilance and preventive actions.

What role do social media and public outreach play in preventing hydatidosis?

Social media and public outreach campaigns, including radio programs and the distribution of informative leaflets, are used to raise awareness about the disease and prevention measures. These efforts aim to reach a wider audience and inform the public on how to prevent the disease.

How is the cooperation between different ministries and organizations important in controlling hydatidosis?

Cooperation between various ministries, such as Agriculture, Health, Environment, and Education, as well as international organizations like PAHO and WHO, is crucial for implementing effective control measures. This collaboration ensures a comprehensive approach to controlling hydatidosis.

What is the 'One Health' approach mentioned in the presentation?

'One Health' is an approach that integrates the health of humans, animals, and the environment. It highlights the interconnectedness of these areas and is essential for controlling diseases like hydatidosis, which affect both animals and humans.