4.2 Surveillance objectives

Surveillance objectives are the goal(s) that, when met, will result in the collection and analysis of data in order to achieve the purpose of the system. Objectives in animal health surveillance could include the following:

• Prevalence estimation (of resistance in a given bacterial species): This is the most common objective in AMR surveillance in animals. It is needed to be able to establish baseline data and monitor trends.
• Early detection: To detect the emergence of new resistance patterns and/or mechanisms – this may be through sentinel surveillance or syndromic surveillance.
• Case detection: This may be adequate to calculate the number of units needed to be tested to detect cases of antimicrobial residues in export products.
• Freedom from disease: This may be a relevant objective in countries that are trying to eliminate a particular type of resistant bacteria, such as MRSA.