FAO animal health manual 10: manual on participatory epidemiology - method for the collection of action-oriented epidemiological intelligence

This report describes the evolving role of participatory and rapid rural appraisal techniques in veterinary epidemiology with particular reference to disease surveillance. A number of participatory rural appraisal (PRA) tools are presented that have been applied in animal health reconnaissance. Other tools that may merit application are also suggested. Future directions for participatory qualitative research are also discussed relative to the challenges facing veterinary epidemiology today.

The report highlights that participatory epidemiology, as an emerging methodology, should seek to build upon the strengths of participatory appraisal and to complement existing epidemiological methods. The strength of participatory veterinary epidemiology is identified in its ability to collect the fresh and novel perspectives of the livestock owning communities. Participatory epidemiology has a contribution to make to quantitative analytical epidemiology through the design of more appropriate questionnaires and studies. Participatory appraisals could be used to identify and refine epidemiological hypothesis as well as to tailor statistical studies to the needs of the beneficiaries.