More than 70% of zoonotic disease agents derived from animals. It is important to establish a surveillance system for such agents as an early warning system for emerging infectious diseases. We have established the Zoonotic Diseases Collaboration Center (ZDCC) in Bangkok, Thailand as a sentinel station for zoonotic agents in animal population in a Southeastern Asian region. Through ZDCC activity, we have demonstrated the following: 1) Highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses (HPAIVs) of the H5N1 subtype have evolved into two subclades in Thailand, 2) during 2006-2007, HPAIVs invaded into Myanmar at least twice, 3) Swine Influenza Virus (SIV) in Thailand has genetic diversity among the pig population.
(Research Team for Zoonotic Diseases, TEL+81-29-838-7708)
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- Saito, T., et al. (2009) Vet. Microbiol. 133: 65-74.