Epidemiologic-economic models and the One Health paradigm: echinococcosis and leishmaniasis, case studies in Veneto region, Northeastern Italy

• Published in: One health Vol. 9; p. 100115
• Main Authors: Canali, Massimo, Aragrande, Maurizio, Angheben, Andrea, Capelli, Gioia, Drigo, Michele, Gobbi, Federico, Tamarozzi, Francesca, Cassini, Rudi
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Netherlands Elsevier B.V 01.06.2020; Elsevier
• Subjects: Animal health economics; Cystic echinococcosis; Epidemiologic-economic models; Epidemiology of parasitic zoonoses; Health economics; Leishmaniasis; Neglected zoonosis; One health economics; Short Communication; Animal health economics; Cystic echinococcosis; Neglected zoonosis; One health economics; Health economics; Epidemiologic-economic models; Leishmaniasis; Epidemiology of parasitic zoonoses
• ISSN: 2352-7714; 2352-7714
• DOI: 10.1016/j.onehlt.2019.100115

Epidemiology and health economics have systemic interdependencies. The identification of the economic outcomes of any disease is operated by overlapping its epidemiology with the economic functions of the impacted entities. This communication presents two epidemiologic-economic models designed to evaluate the economic burden of cystic echinococcosis and leishmaniasis in Veneto (Northeastern Italy). Following a One Health approach, the research integrates expertise from different disciplines and institutions and fulfilled its first stage by defining the relevant cost categories and the data collection strategy for the two diseases in the study area. The two models identify the relevant epidemiological factors and the economic outcomes of infections in both animals and humans. The results, visualized in flow charts indicating the types of costs associated with these zoonoses, will guide data collection and the epidemiologic and economic assessment in the next research stages. This experience shows that One Health methods, although still innovative or unusual in many scientific and professional contexts, can be applied by using relatively limited resources and already available professional skills. •An economic evaluation of c. echinococcosis and leishmaniasis in a hypo-endemic area was approached with systems-thinking.•The research team and an external network of experts integrated the necessary interdisciplinary knowledge.•Two epidemiologic-economic models were designed to identify relevant cost categories and data sources.•This experience shows that One Health methods can be applied with limited resources and skills already available.