VETGIS((R))-Styria - a geographic information system as a tool for epidemiological research for the veterinary administration

A geographical information system (GIS) is an innovative software technolog y to analyse spatial data. GIS are widely used in epidemiology to work on s patial and temporal information about the outbreak and spread of diseases t o be able to implement adequate control systems (e.g.: surveillance program s). GIS are also used to detect clusters of rare diseases or to define area s with high exposure. Georeferencation of animal data allows the determinat ion of spatial sampling plans, too. VETGIS (R) -Styria contains the coordin ates of 41,227 farms, the boundaries of the Styrian provinces and municipal ities, digital network of roads and the data of the official livestock cens us 1995 and 1999. VETGIS (R) -Styria is used for the determination of prote ction and surveillance zones in case of outbreaks of classical swine fever, epidemiological investigations relating to BVD/MD or scabies in chamois an d finally for the Styrian Salmonella-screening in pork.