Collection and data analysis from the National Avian Influenza Wild Bird (NAIWB) Surveillance Program is about to become more robust, thanks to a new electronic data platform being developed by Wildlife Health Australia and Epi (Epi-interactive).
The new targeted platform will streamline data upload processes, improve data integrity through electronic validation and centralise data storage to support data security, providing more efficient analysis and reporting.
Managed by Wildlife Health Australia (WHA), the NAIWB Surveillance Program tracks avian influenza viruses found in apparently healthy wild birds (often referred to as ‘targeted surveillance’). Currently, this data is received from surveillance partners around the country, who have collected and tested wild birds for avian influenza. It is entered, formatted and moderated manually in a decentralised offline national data system.
With Australia on high alert for the potential arrival of HPAI H5 avian influenza (H5 bird flu), and recent outbreaks of HPAI H7 in poultry, the development of a streamlined platform is key in making it simpler to submit data efficiently, accurately and consistently.
“This project will contribute to enhancing targeted wildlife health surveillance data from apparently healthy wild birds for avian influenza in Australia, including H5 bird flu,” said Silvia Ban, Acting Senior Project Officer, Surveillance, at WHA.
“By improving how we capture and manage targeted surveillance data from around the country, we are building faster, more accurate reporting systems that will help us to better understand and share information on avian influenza viruses circulating in wild birds.
“This supports strategic risk assessment and management, strengthening Australia's biosecurity and helping to safeguard our unique wildlife, industries and communities,” she said.
The project will be delivered in two phases: the first focusing on construction of the data storage and management system, followed by the development of tools to assist with data management and analysis.
Once the system is developed, WHA will conduct a pilot test using recent data to ensure its stability and usability before migrating historical surveillance data into the new system.
All information submitted to the new platform will meet strict quality standards and only authorised users will be able to manage or view the data.
By horizon-scanning for wildlife health risks, WHA is ensuring the platform build will be adaptable for future targeted wildlife surveillance programs beyond avian influenza.
WHA acknowledges the expertise and support of Epi, a company specialising in One Health data science, in delivering this important project.
The project is funded by the Australian Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, through the Environmental Biosecurity Office, the One Health Surveillance Initiative and the NAIWB Surveillance Program with a total investment of $350,000.
The project commenced in October 2024 and is scheduled for completion by July 2026.
For more information on the NAIWB Surveillance Program, visit: https://wildlifehealthaustralia.com.au/Our-Work/Surveillance/Wild-Bird-Surveillance.
Photo: Geoff Whalan (flickr)