Figure 1. A Proposed Framework for an Animal Health Science Agenda (Feb. 15, 2008)

A conceptual model (layered diagram flowing from bottom to top) describing a proposed framework for an animal health science agenda

The diagram is comprised of 4 horizontal layers, with arrows indicating support flowing from lower to higher layers

The four layers are:

• Bottommost Layer: Action Plan, consisting of Science Capabilities, which are enumerated as:
  • Research
  • Surveillance
  • Diagnostic Testing
  • Risk Analysis
  • Emergency Preparedness and Response
• Second Layer: Objectives, which are enumerated as the following 15 objectives:
  1. Establish Multi-Disciplinary Networks
  2. Implement Technology to Allow Interoperability
  3. Improve Animal/Public Health Interface
  4. Increase Ability to Measure Environmental Impacts
  5. Establish Local Early-Warning and Prevention Systems
  6. Systems-based Approach to Sustainability and Animal Welfare
  7. Improve Data Integration Across the Animal Health System
  8. Enhanced Knowledge Synthesis
  9. Implement Decision Support Systems
  10. Implement New Technology for Rapid Sample Collection/Diagnosis
  11. Implement Real-Time Surveillance
  12. Implement Quality Management Systems
  13. Enable Increased Consumer Access to Animal Health Information
  14. Establish National Programs to Attract and Retain Expertise
  15. Establish Systems-Based Degree Programs for Animal Health Science
• Third Layer: Goals, which are enumerated as the following 7 goals:
  1. Systems are Integrated
  2. Animal/Public Health Interface is Improved
  3. Innovative Research and Technologies are Adopted
  4. Broad Traceability Systems are Implemented
  5. Access to Scientific Expertise is Improved
  6. Sustainability is Supported
  7. Support for Decision Making is Improved
• Top Layer: Vision. The Vision is articulated as "Animal Health Science will be a key contributor to human health and the economic, social and environmental sustainability of the animal resource base in Canada. The vision additionally is broken down into three factors
  • Integration
  • Innovation
  • Relevance