Introduction

• The close proximity of humans, swine, and poultry in the Southeast Asian Region (SEAR) creates a high-risk environment for the emergence of new influenza viruses.

• The study aimed to review and characterise existing IAV surveillance systems worldwide to identify gaps and guide the development of effective protocols for high-risk interfaces.

Methodology

• Researchers conducted a scoping review, systematically searching scientific databases for studies on swine influenza surveillance.

• They analysed 42 relevant studies, extracting data on their objectives, settings (like farms and markets), sampling strategies, and laboratory techniques.

Results

• Most surveillance systems were short-term projects rather than sustained programs and primarily used active data collection.

• The main focus was on virological monitoring to detect viral changes, with less attention on disease severity or impact.

• A significant variability in methods was noted globally, with no consistent, standardised approach.

Conclusion

There is an urgent need to develop standardised, objective-based surveillance frameworks for IAV at human-swine interfaces. This is crucial for improving global preparedness and reducing the risk of zoonotic disease spillover.Click here to read more