Mapping of stakeholders in avian influenza surveillance in Canada.

Introduction: Highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses are highly transmissible and lethal in wild and domestic birds and can infect other mammals. Effective avian influenza surveillance and response requires coordinated, cross-sectoral efforts involving many organizations and individuals. A detailed understanding of who is involved and their role in surveillance and response is necessary for optimizing efforts. However, a comprehensive map of stakeholders and their roles in AI surveillance and response is currently lacking in Canada.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to identify stakeholders and their roles in avian influenza surveillance to support effective surveillance and response in Canada. This map supplements existing information, including the Canadian Animal Health Surveillance System Poultry Surveillance Stakeholder Map, by comprehensively mapping specific sectors and organizations involved in avian influenza surveillance.

Findings: The final stakeholder list included 234 stakeholders involved in avian influenza surveillance (7 international, 60 national, 167 provincial/territorial). Stakeholders could have one role, multiple roles, or be involved in all steps of the surveillance cycle. The most common AI surveillance role was action and dissemination of information (n=141; 60.3%). There were 66 stakeholders (28.2%) involved in all steps of the surveillance cycle.

Significance: This process identified and characterized stakeholders involved in surveillance and response to avian influenza outbreaks in Canada, improving awareness amongst stakeholders of who is involved and what their roles are. This map is intended to facilitate proactive communication and collaboration with the long-term goal of mitigating the impact of highly pathogenic avian influenza outbreaks in Canada.