AUTHOR=Pinto Julio , Dissanayake Ravi Bandara , Dhand Navneet , Rojo-Gimeno Cristina , Falzon Laura Cristina , Akwar Holy , Alambeji Rianatou Bada , Beltran-Alcrudo Daniel , Castellan David Mario , Chanachai Karoon , Guitian Javier , Hilmers Angela , Larfaoui Fairouz , Loth Leo , Motta Paolo , Rasamoelina Harentsoaniaina , Salyer Stephanie , Shadomy Sean , Squarzoni Cécile , Rwego Innocent , Santos Carmen Varela , Wongsathapornchai Kachen , Lockhart Caryl , Okuthe Sam , Kane Yaghouba , Gilbert Jeffrey , Soumare Baba , Dhingra Madhur , Sumption Keith , Tiensin Thanawat TITLE=Development of core competencies for field veterinary epidemiology training programs JOURNAL=Frontiers in Veterinary Science VOLUME=10 YEAR=2023 URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/veterinary-science/articles/10.3389/fvets.2023.1143375 DOI=10.3389/fvets.2023.1143375 ISSN=2297-1769 ABSTRACT=

A workforce with the adequate field epidemiology knowledge, skills and abilities is the foundation of a strong and effective animal health system. Field epidemiology training is conducted in several countries to meet the increased global demand for such a workforce. However, core competencies for field veterinary epidemiology have not been identified and agreed upon globally, leading to the development of different training curricula. Having a set of agreed core competencies can harmonize field veterinary epidemiology training. The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) initiated a collective, iterative, and participative process to achieve this and organized two expert consultative workshops in 2018 to develop core competencies for field veterinary epidemiology at the frontline and intermediate levels. Based on these expert discussions, 13 competencies were identified for the frontline and intermediate levels. These competencies were organized into three domains: epidemiological surveillance and studies; field investigation, preparedness and response; and One Health, communication, ethics and professionalism. These competencies can be used to facilitate the development of field epidemiology training curricula for veterinarians, adapted to country training needs, or customized for training other close disciplines. The competencies can also be useful for mentors and employers to monitor and evaluate the progress of their mentees, or to guide the selection process during the recruitment of new staff.