An Independent Review of New Zealand's Biosecurity Surveillance Systems-Decision Support and Databases
Decision Support and Databases
A number of Surveillance tools and structured methodologies are being used by various sectors and it is possible that some of them may have wider application. These include:
The Carter Model
Developed by Peter Carter, from the forestry company Carter Holt Harvey in 1989, this Surveillance model is widely used by commercial forest owners on a regular basis. The Model spells out how each of a number of survey methods should be undertaken to ensure reliable data collection. The survey methods include, in order of decreasing cost efficiency; aerial survey, drive-through roadside survey and random point sampling.
Biosecure
BIOSECURE is a computer-based modelling tool that has been under development by a Landcare Research-led consortium since 1999. It is being designed to help biosecurity analysts and managers to assess biosecurity risks by integrating a range of data types to provide predictions on whether and where invasive species are likely to establish in New Zealand.
The model appears to be based on sound ecological concepts and to utilise relevant international and local data sets. Conceptually the tool represents a very significant step towards improved targeting of pre-border, border and post-border surveillance programmes. However the model has not yet been developed to the point where it can be utilised to make any specific decisions.
EpiMAN for Animal Disease Surveillance
Epi MAN represents a suite of tools and methodologies under development by the team at Massey University's EpiCentre. The aims of the EpiMAN Surveillance initiative broadly involve:
- A structured and targeted approach to the better use of data by fully utilising Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technologies.
- The use of risk-cost-benefit analysis to allocate resources in a balanced way.
The core concept is that each Surveillance technique has sensitivity and specificity, just like a test does. Using a layered approach, with baseline monitoring information providing the core of the system, risks are evaluated against the marginal return of intervention to gain better data.
Environmental Performance Indicators
The project, led by MfE, to develop performance indicators for the state of the environment has the potential to provide some valuable baseline information for Surveillance programmes in the terrestrial, fresh water and marine environments. Monitoring for a number of the indicators is likely to identify changes either directly or indirectly related to the presence of new organisms, or range extensions of existing pest species with limited distributions.
AgriBase and related GIS
AgriBase provides a national land-based spatially registered farm frame. It is operated by AgriQuality New Zealand Ltd. AgriBase has been recognised by MAF Biosecurity and MAF Food Authority as one of the core national databases required to support current and future biosecurity and food safety initiatives under the Livestock and Product Traceability System (LAPTYS).
AgriBase permits map-based reporting and spatial analyses of disease Surveillance data. Using geographic information system (GIS) techniques, AgriBase can facilitate the integration of many other spatially registered databases to be used in analyses (eg. weather data, land cover classes, satellite imagery, etc). Disease risk pathways can be geographically defined, analysed and managed in relation to other spatially referenced data.
These databases and GIS technology have been used as a vital component in helping to investigate and/or control a number of recent suspected or actual pest and disease incursions, in both rural and urban locations in New Zealand. AgriQuality is committed to Web-based access to data, including the production of real-time maps that show current status as well as temporal trends.
Shipping Explorer
Shipping Explorer is a GIS based decision support tool under development by the Cawthron Institute. It combines port and bioregion data pertinent to already recognised and indicator (eg. of pathway survival potential) marine pests with source and recipient ports and bioregions, ballast exchange and discharge data, ship visits and vessel type.
The shipping information draws on the MFish ballast water database. Additionally it incorporates pathway, species, and environmental information of source and recipient ports, as well as temperature and salinity tolerances for different life cycle stages of target species, (eg. the European green crab Carcinus maenas).
CLIMEX
CLIMEX is computer software for predicting the potential distribution and relative abundance of species in relation to climate. It is currently used in over twenty countries to examine the distribution of insects, plants, pathogens and vertebrates for a variety of purposes, including biogeography, quarantine, biological control and impacts of changes in climate and climate variability.
This program was developed by CSIRO Entomology in 1985 and has had numerous successful applications under practical conditions. CLIMEX is being used by the MAF Biosecurity Plants team to assist in risk assessment and could have wider application in determining effective targeting for Surveillance activities.
Databases
There are a relatively large number of databases and data sources which could be used in various ways to support Surveillance programmes. The total number is probably in the vicinity of 50. Some of the more relevant ones include:
- The Forest Health Database
- PPIN
- BUGS
- Parabase
- Animal health Surveillance data
- DOC Databases
- Huia
- Museum and University specimen collections
Data management issues for Surveillance include:
- Unrecorded data resides in the heads of experienced scientists, both working and retired, and is totally inaccessible except to those who happen to know the holder and who happen to ask the right questions;
- There is a growing tendency for surveys to be conducted on behalf of particular funding agencies that then retain custody of the information gathered;
- Commercial sensitivity real or imagined is a continuing problem but much of the inaccessibility between databases is in publicly funded agencies which could use common protocols to overcome access problems to everyone's advantage;
- There are other major disincentives for scientists to contribute to supposed `national' collections held by other agencies including lack of funding to prepare and collate reports and material for someone else's collection or database;
- There are no standards for data collection so that much data that is recorded is of reduced value, for example through a lack of consistent temporal or spatial identifiers;
- With the exception of the Forest Health Database and PPIN, most existing datasets are small or narrowly focused. Few are linked in any way so it is difficult to make comprehensive searches for data about pests and diseases.
In conclusion there is no easy way to obtain a comprehensive view of the organisms that live in New Zealand. Nor is there a common system by which existing databases can be updated with findings of new organisms or range extensions. This is an obvious impediment to the development of more effective and efficient biosecurity Surveillance both from operational and policy perspectives.
New technology provides an opportunity for a web-based information portal to be developed to support those working in Surveillance to get this information more easily. Initially this could be a simple central directory of databases, data sources and points of access. Over time this portal could evolve to provide an increasing amount of on-line access to data.
Page last updated: 16 October 2008