What’s preventing countries from reporting animal diseases in Asia-Pacific?

Contrary to common assumptions among animal health experts, when new outbreaks occur, limited capability and organisational knowledge are greater barriers to disease notification than fear of repercussions for the farming sector. This finding comes from a new study by the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) in the Asia-Pacific region, which for the first time applies a behavioural approach to this issue. 

When an animal disease outbreak occurs, information is key to control the spread of the disease and to ensure that farmers in the area and in neighbouring countries can continue their usual activities, while safeguarding animal health above all. To facilitate the sharing of useful information on animal disease events, WOAH created the World Animal Health Information System (WAHIS): a platform through which our Members are required to notify any outbreak of listed animal diseases in their territory. 

This is the theory, then comes the practice. Animal health professionals must put these rules into action, and that can be challenging. There are many reasons why a WOAH Member might fail to notify a disease, some of which have become common assumptions among animal health experts. Limited capacity, time constraints, or fear of international scrutiny are just a few of the barriers often cited as obstacles to timely notification. However, new research from the Asia-Pacific region offers fresh insights into why some Members do not report animal diseases to WOAH. 

Debunking common assumptions  

While these assumptions about the barriers to notification are not necessarily incorrect, the report “Identifying barriers to notification of terrestrial and aquatic animal diseases in Asia-Pacific” shows how applying a behavioural approach to this issue can offer a new perspective. 

With that in mind, the study showed that, contrary to common belief, there is no evidence supporting the idea that the importance of a sector influences the intention to notify a disease. In other words, countries are not less willing to report an outbreak simply because it affects a major animal sector in their territory. Another common assumption that needs to be reframed, at least in the Asia-Pacific region, concerns the perceived risk of notification. The study found that this perceived risk is actually low among the countries involved. Similarly, the analysis found no link between trust in trading partners and the intention to notify. Overall, these kinds of factors appear to be less influential on WOAH Members’ notification behaviour than previously thought.

Building on key findings  

On the other hand, the study shows that organisational knowledge and capability, as well as perceived behavioural control, are strong predictors of the intention to notify. In other words, countries are more likely to report a disease when the people responsible are well-trained and confident in the procedures they need to follow. Similarly, the easier the notification process is perceived to be, the more willing countries are to fulfil their reporting obligations. 

Another key takeaway from the study is the positive attitude toward notification and the perceived benefits of reporting shared by the countries participating in the survey and in related focus groups. 

Balancing risks and benefits

Our Members from the Asia-Pacific region involved in the study highlighted that the greatest risk they perceive when reporting a disease outbreak is the potential reduction in access to international markets. Conversely, they recognise that maintaining an international reputation for transparency is the most significant benefit. Overall, the survey findings indicate that there is room for improvement in the region and potentially at the global level as well. 

All summed up, the study revealed many positive aspects of notification in the region. Attitudes towards notification are strongly positive and the perceived benefits of notification are consistently strong. Despite these strengths, several key barriers were identified. These include challenges with diagnosis and laboratory confirmation, decision-making and administrative processes and constraints in surveillance and reporting systems. Drawing on these insights, the study developed actionable steps and key recommendations to build more resilient and responsive animal health systems across the Asian Pacific region.