Application of GIS in animal disease monitoring and surveillance

Abstract

Animal disease patterns are changing day by day under climate changing scenario and there is continuous occurrence of new and emergence type of diseases. So, new and modern types of tools are essential for monitoring and surveillance of these diseases. Geographic information systems (GIS) provide the easy access, utilization and manipulation of geospatial information. The advantage of GIS is mapping the many different locations of farms and other facilities with animals on a single map which helps in better monitoring and surveillance. Also, detailed studies are possible with respect to diseases forecasting, prediction of outbreaks, identification of disease cluster or hotspot and to evaluate different strategies to prevent the spread of infectious diseases. GIS provide ideal platform for the convergence of disease-specific information and their analyses in relation to population settlements, surrounding social and health services and the natural environment.