Piloting Community-Based Zoonotic Disease Surveillance in Rural Alaska: The Community One Health Network of Alaska (COHNA)

Abstract

The Community One Health Network of Alaska (COHNA) is a pilot project for participatory surveillance of zoonotic disease in rural Alaska. A transdisciplinary team implemented participatory surveillance for zoonotic diseases in wildlife, domestic animals, and human wastewater with mixed Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities in Alaska. The team used approaches that fully engaged three partner communities in the surveillance activities (Bethel, Ketchikan, and Utqiag˙vik) and built on existing initiatives including monitoring (e.g., hunted animals, wastewater, peri-domestic small mammals, domestic animals), investigations, results communication, and potential response measures. A mixed methods approach using social science and biological sampling added value and supported the co-development of a surveillance system that was scientifically robust, culturally responsive, and locally beneficial, from sampling design to communication of findings. Combining place-based and Indigenous Knowledges with biological sampling improves wildlife surveillance and advances Indigenous Peoples’ self-determination in research, while creating mutual animal and human health benefits. In this case study, the authors describe the process of relationship-building, identifying priority areas in each community, broad qualitative findings, and the successes and improvements needed in an evolving participatory surveillance effort thus far.