Digital platforms are increasingly central to how veterinary and public‑health authorities detect, trace and respond to animal disease risks, according to a recent report from the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH). The organisation highlights how timely data sharing across borders can shorten investigation times and limit the spread of infections linked to animal movements.
Case study: tracing a rabies‑positive dog through EU data systems
WOAH describes an instance where a dog later confirmed rabies‑positive in February 2026 had entered the European Union in November 2025 via Latvia. The chain of events illustrates how interconnected digital tools allow authorities to piece together movements and take coordinated action.
Officials in Latvia used the Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed (RASFF) to receive the initial notification and then accessed another European platform, TRACES, to verify identification details for animals in the shipment. A senior expert in Latvia's veterinary surveillance division collected the necessary records and within two days prepared an official notification to the European Commission so other countries could be informed.
Why integrated data matters
Movement of companion animals and livestock is a normal part of trade and travel, but it creates pathways for infectious agents to cross borders. WOAH’s material stresses that the challenge is not simply a disease's presence but having the right information at the right moment so authorities can act.
The report sets out practical benefits of digitalisation, including:
- faster tracing of animal movements and contacts;
- more rapid cross‑border notifications to partner agencies;
- improved exchange of electronic veterinary certifications to streamline trade.
“We should all fear the unknown. But if data are available quickly, we can be more proactive and not just react to the situation.”
That observation, attributed to a senior expert involved in the response, encapsulates the WOAH argument: accessible data reduce uncertainty and permit anticipatory measures rather than delayed reactions.
Implications for the UK
Although the case described occurred within the EU, the lessons apply to the UK. Rapid, interoperable reporting systems support early warning and cross‑sectoral coordination — especially important for zoonoses that may also threaten human health. Authorities in the UK already participate in a range of international surveillance networks; the WOAH material underlines the value of further developing digital capacity and data‑sharing agreements with partners.
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Dog entered EU via Latvia | November 2025 |
| Rabies confirmed | February 2026 |
| Information collated and notification sent | Two days after initial alert |
WOAH emphasises that surveillance works best when digital tools are user‑friendly, interoperable and trusted by the professionals who rely on them. For policymakers and veterinary services, investment in secure data platforms and training is presented as a cost‑effective step to safeguard animal and public health while maintaining efficient trade.
Moving forward, the organisation suggests that countries continue to expand electronic certification systems and real‑time alerting mechanisms so that when a case is detected, the response is swift and well‑coordinated.
