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Abstract
Selecting the optimal level of surveillance to implement for an animal disease is important when decision-makers are allocating resources within a surveillance portfolio (collection of all surveillance activities for a species). Decision-makers should consider economically efficient options that meet effectiveness requirements of a surveillance system (i.e., disease detection capability, timeliness, etc.). In this research, we look at components in two disease surveillance systems within a species portfolio and compare current surveillance testing levels with four other optional levels. Option 1 does not meet the detection capability thresholds, while option 2 meets thresholds for one disease but not the other. Options 3 and 4 meet the detection capability thresholds and result in a cost savings compared to current levels. We conclude that Option 3 would be the optimum level of surveillance as it has a lower cost-effectiveness ratio compared to option 4 and the current level, as well as a cost savings of $637,500.