Spatial-temporal clustering of companion animal enteric syndrome: detection and investigation through the use of electronic medical records from participating private practices.

摘要: SUMMARY There is interest in the potential of companion animal surveillance to provide data improve pet health and early warning environmental hazards people. We implemented a system Calgary, Alberta surrounding communities. Informatics technologies automatically extracted electronic medical records from participating veterinary practices identified cases enteric syndrome warehoused records. The were analysed using time-series analyses retrospective space-time permutation scan statistic. seasonal pattern reports occurrences syndromes animals four statistically significant clusters cases. within each cluster examined information about involved (species, age, sex), their vaccination history, possible exposure or risk behaviour disease severity, aetiological diagnosis was collected. then assessed whether unusual if they represented an public threat. often insufficient recorded record characterize by aetiology exposures. Space-time analysis found evidence clustering. Collection more epidemiologically relevant would enhance utility practice-based surveillance.