Epidemiology Directorate of the Ministry of Agriculture In-Service Applied Veterinary Epidemiology Training (ISAVET) Program - Abstract
Background: Good quality information about animal health is important for finding out about disease outbreaks quickly and controlling them well. This
study looked at the quality of Disease Outbreak and Vaccination Activity Reports (DOVARs) in Debre Markoss city, Amhara Region, Ethiopia.
Methods: We checked the quality of 36 monthly DOVARs that were sent from July 2022 to June 2025.We looked at how complete, accurate, on time,
consistent, stored, analyzed, and used the data were. We used document reviews, standard checklists, and interviews with the district veterinary coordinator
to get the information. We used descriptive analysis to measure key points and summarized the system’s processes and problems from the qualitative data.
Results: Out of the 15 reports we reviewed, 10 had missing data, which is 66.6% incomplete. Two reports had data errors, which is 13.3% inaccurate.
Fifteen reports were submitted on time, which is 100% untimely. Data is mostly stored in paper form with little digital backup. Routine analysis is simple (like
tables and graphs) and used in meetings for supervision and review. Fifteen surveillance signals in the last quarter led to field investigations. There is a link to
the Bahir Dar Regional Veterinary Laboratory, but sample submissions were limited during the review period.
Conclusions: The DOVAR system in Debre Markos city works, but there are gaps in how complete they are at the field level, georeferencing, documenting
all outbreak report, and storing data properly. Specific steps like using standard forms, having digital backups, checking data for errors, adding geocoding,
and giving feedback on performance can greatly improve the quality of the data and how useful the surveillance results are for making decisions.