FAO's EMPRES Global Animal Disease Information System (EMPRES-i+)

Summary

Timely and reliable reporting of animal diseases, especially zoonotic ones, is crucial for global health security. ImprISAI, a web-based application launched in 2004, helps veterinary services share animal disease information securely. It enables global collaboration, supporting prevention, risk management, and outbreak coordination. The platform consolidates official and unofficial data for better decision-making and uses advanced tools for forecasting and early warning systems. With its new version, ImprISAI Plus, improved features include cloud-based sharing, real-time data visualization, and enhanced risk assessments, playing a significant role in mitigating transboundary animal disease threats.

Takeaways

• 😀 Timely and reliable animal disease reporting is crucial, especially for emerging zoonotic diseases that can spread from animals to humans.
• 😀 Early detection and quick response to high-impact animal diseases are essential for global health security.
• 😀 Empress i, launched in 2004, is an integrated web-based application that facilitates the sharing of animal disease information globally.
• 😀 Empress i helps countries share information securely and improve the coordination of prevention and risk management efforts.
• 😀 The platform connects stakeholders across national, regional, and global networks to reduce the impact of animal disease outbreaks.
• 😀 Empress i shares data with the Global Early Warning System for major animal diseases (GLEWS+), run by FAO, OIE, and WHO.
• 😀 GLEWS+ coordinates risk assessments, data sharing, and public health responses for zoonotic threats.
• 😀 Empress i consolidates official and unofficial disease event data to create a reliable, verifiable platform for users.
• 😀 The platform helps veterinary departments by providing tools to track, analyze, and forecast animal disease events effectively.
• 😀 Empress i Plus, the updated version, offers improved cloud-based features, real-time data, advanced analytics, and interactive mapping tools.
• 😀 The new Empress i Plus enhances risk assessment, forecasting, and early warning functions, improving global animal disease monitoring and response.

Q & A

What is the primary purpose of the EmPress Eye application?

EmPress Eye is an integrated web-based application designed to support veterinary services by facilitating the sharing of national, regional, and global animal disease information, especially to manage and prevent the spread of zoonotic diseases.

What are zoonotic diseases, and why are they important to track?

Zoonotic diseases are diseases that can be transmitted from animals to humans. Tracking these diseases is crucial because they can lead to epidemics or pandemics, and early detection helps in preventing widespread public health crises.

When was EmPress Eye originally launched?

EmPress Eye was originally launched in 2004.

How does EmPress Eye help in the prevention of animal disease outbreaks?

EmPress Eye helps by allowing countries to share animal disease information securely, enabling the coordination of responses, risk management, and early warning to reduce the impact of outbreaks.

What is the role of the global early warning system (GLEWS)?

GLEWS, run jointly by FAO, OIE, and WHO, coordinates risk assessments of zoonotic threats, data sharing, and public health responses. It helps in identifying and managing potential global health risks posed by animal diseases.

What types of data does EmPress Eye consolidate?

EmPress Eye consolidates both official and unofficial disease events from around the world, creating a verifiable and reliable platform for sharing information about animal disease outbreaks.

How does EmPress Eye aid veterinary departments in their surveillance efforts?

By providing geo-referenced information, interactive maps, and analytical tools, EmPress Eye helps veterinary departments focus their attention on critical areas and track the progression of disease outbreaks more effectively.

What are some key features of the updated EmPress Eye Plus platform?

EmPress Eye Plus includes a cloud-based platform, advanced analytics, real-time visualization tools, improved risk assessment capabilities, and enhanced data quality for evidence-based decision-making.

What are the benefits of using EmPress Eye Plus for animal disease management?

The main benefits include better risk forecasting, more effective early warning functions, and improved collaboration across public health, animal health, and environmental sectors, leading to more coordinated responses to disease threats.

How does EmPress Eye Plus contribute to global health security?

EmPress Eye Plus contributes to global health security by providing a reliable, interactive platform for sharing animal disease information, facilitating rapid response to zoonotic threats, and ultimately reducing the impact of animal diseases on public health, livestock production, and food security.