Sherry Meeks, Johnny Gilpen, and Staci Myers. Epidemiology, University of Oklahoma, College of Public Health, 14116 Benson Road, Edmond, OK 73013, (405) 974-5787, smeeks@ucok.edu

Methods:

The active surveillance was conducted by contacting sixty-nine veterinarians working in fifty-three clinics. The passive surveillance system currently in use in Oklahoma is managed by the Oklahoma State Health Department (OSHD). Twenty-five (36.2%) veterinarians working in sixteen clinics (30.2%) had diagnosed and treated WNV in at least one equine residing in Oklahoma County. Our active surveillance system identified 105 equines diagnosed with WNV in Oklahoma County during 2002, of which 34 (32.3%) had been reported to the OSHD. This is compared to the 72 cases of equine WNV identified by the OSHD.

Results:

Our study suggests a difference in reported cases depending on the method of surveillance utilized. Passive surveillance resulted in lower numbers of reported equine cases than active surveillance. This study emphasizes the need for improved surveillance methods when dealing with emerging infectious diseases.

Learning Objectives:

• A descriptive study of West Nile Virus infected equines residing in Oklahoma County was performed during the summer of 2003 with the objective of comparing the currently used passive surveillance system to an active surveillance system.

Keywords: Epidemiology, Surveillance

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.