Introduction
The interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health is increasingly recognized as crucial to addressing complex health challenges. The One Health approach emphasizes this interdependence, requiring collaborative, interdisciplinary surveillance systems to effectively monitor and respond to emerging threats. This post explores the innovative application of citizen science within a One Health framework, highlighting the potential of community engagement to enhance surveillance efforts and empower individuals to contribute to scientific discovery. We delve into Dr. Ginger Dixon's doctoral capstone project which offers a compelling model for accessible and scalable One Health surveillance leveraging citizen science, drawing upon her insights shared on the One Health Wednesdays podcast.
Citizen Science: Democratizing Data Collection for One Health
Traditional surveillance systems often face limitations in terms of cost, scalability, and geographical reach. Dr. Dixon’s project addresses these challenges by utilizing citizen science, a method that engages volunteers in data collection. As Dr. Dixon explains, "citizen science is a method where you are training oftentimes volunteers or students, you know, everyday people out in the community to collect data...[providing] some training on what to look for…and where to submit that data." This approach not only expands the scope of data collection but also fosters community ownership and awareness of health issues. This sentiment mirrors the growing body of literature supporting citizen science as a valuable tool for large-scale ecological monitoring (e.g., Bonney et al., 2009; Dickinson et al., 2010). Similar programs like the Ocean Research and Conservation Association's (ORCA) use of citizen science to monitor toxins in the Indian River Lagoon demonstrate the effectiveness of community-based data collection in addressing environmental health issues.
Building an Accessible and Integrated Surveillance System
Dr. Dixon's project aims to create a "low-cost and scalable surveillance system that integrated…the environmental health component, the animal health, and then human health." By integrating data across these domains, the system provides a holistic view of health, enabling a deeper understanding of the interplay between environmental factors, animal populations, and human disease. This integrated approach aligns with the core principles of One Health, emphasizing the need for cross-sector collaboration and data sharing to effectively address complex health challenges (Rabinowitz et al., 2017). The project included the development of a strategic plan and an example dashboard based on Arizona, offering a practical framework for organizations seeking to implement similar surveillance systems.
Visualizing Complex Data for Actionable Insights
A critical component of Dr. Dixon's project is the use of geospatial mapping and visualization tools. She describes creating a heat map of keystone species in Arizona: "I went through and identified those species that were classified as keystone species or ecosystem engineers in literature…and then flagging those through coding…So then when those observations were reported by a citizen scientist, they would be flagged and show up in that geospatial mapping." This approach enables researchers and public health professionals to visualize the distribution and abundance of keystone species, offering valuable insights into ecosystem health and potential vulnerabilities. Furthermore, the system allows for the tracking of zoonotic disease risks by mapping host and vector species and analyzing their distribution in relation to human disease cases: "you can look at…where those human zoonotic disease cases are popping up…and then you can also look at it in relation to the host and vector species that are relevant for that disease." This capability provides crucial information for identifying potential outbreaks and implementing targeted interventions. The application of geospatial analysis in epidemiological studies has been increasingly recognized as crucial for understanding disease dynamics and informing public health interventions (Ostfeld et al., 2005).
The Power of Collaboration and Innovation
Dr. Dixon's work underscores the potential of citizen science to transform One Health surveillance. By leveraging community resources and existing data collection efforts, accessible and comprehensive surveillance systems can be developed. She emphasizes, "One Health surveillance is a lot more accessible than we might think it is…It's just a matter of knowing who's collecting what and putting it all together." This collaborative spirit aligns with the broader One Health movement, highlighting the need to break down disciplinary silos and foster partnerships between researchers, policymakers, communities, and other stakeholders (Zinsstag et al., 2011). Further, Dr. Dixon recognizes the potential of integrating emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence into these systems, suggesting exciting avenues for future development and innovation. The rapid advancements in data analytics and AI offer opportunities to enhance the specificity and efficiency of One Health surveillance, leading to more accurate and timely insights for decision-making.
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Conclusion
Dr. Dixon’s innovative application of citizen science provides a compelling model for the future of One Health surveillance. By empowering communities to participate in data collection and utilizing cutting-edge technology, we can build more robust, accessible, and integrated surveillance systems. These systems are critical for understanding the complex interactions between human, animal, and environmental health, ultimately leading to improved prevention and control of emerging health threats. This collaborative approach, fueled by community engagement and scientific innovation, is essential for a healthier and more resilient future.
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References
Bonney, R., Cooper, C. B., Dickinson, J., Kelling, S., Phillips, T., Rosenberg, K. V., & Shirk, J. (2009). Citizen science: a developing tool for expanding science knowledge and scientific literacy. BioScience, 59(11), 977-984.
Dickinson, J. L., Zuckerberg, B., & Bonter, D. N. (2010). Citizen science as an ecological research tool: challenges and benefits. Annual Review of Ecology, Evolution, and Systematics, 41, 149-172.
Ostfeld, R. S., Glass, G. E., & Keesing, F. (2005). Spatial epidemiology: an emerging (or re-emerging) discipline. Trends in Ecology & Evolution, 20(6), 328-336.
Rabinowitz, P. M., Pappaioanou, M., Bardosh, K. L., & Conti, S. (2017). Improving public health preparedness as a justification for One Health. Health Security, 15(6), 617-625.
Zinsstag, J., Schelling, E., Waltner-Toews, D., & Tanner, M. (2011). From “one medicine” to “one health” and systemic approaches to health and well-being. Preventive Veterinary Medicine, 101(3-4), 148-156.
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