Open AccessGuidance on good practice in conducting scientific assessments in animal health using modelling
Author(s) -
Nielsen Søren Saxmose,
Alvarez Julio,
Calistri Paolo,
Canali Elisabetta,
Drewe Julian Ashley,
GarinBastuji Bruno,
Gonzales Rojas José Luis,
Gortázar Christian,
Herskin Mette,
Michel Virginie,
Miranda Chueca Miguel Ángel,
Padalino Barbara,
Pasquali Paolo,
Roberts Helen Clare,
Spoolder Hans,
Ståhl Karl,
Velarde Antonio,
Viltrop Arvo,
Winckler Christoph,
Gervelmeyer Andrea,
Van der Stede Yves,
Bicout Dominique Joseph
Publication year - 2022
Publication title -
efsa journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.076
H-Index - 97
ISSN - 1831-4732
DOI - 10.2903/j.efsa.2022.7346
Subject(s) - animal health , process (computing) , flowchart , risk analysis (engineering) , transparency (behavior) , computer science , animal welfare , risk assessment , management science , business , medicine , engineering , veterinary medicine , ecology , computer security , biology , programming language , operating system
The EFSA asked the Panel on Animal Health and Welfare to develop a guidance document on good practice in conducting scientific assessments in animal health using modelling. In previous opinions, the AHAW Panel has responded to two‐thirds of animal health‐related mandates using some kind of modelling. These models range from simple to complex, employing a combination of scientific, economic, socio‐economic or other types of data. Hence, there is strong interest in the development of a guidance document to integrate modelling efforts into the routine process of EFSA working groups. In this document, an ‘operating procedure' (OP) for the use of modelling within an AH working group is presented. The OP provides a detailed flowchart enabling modelling to be transparently and consistently integrated in the assessment. The OP is structured into phases. These phases combine the relevant standard operating procedures and working instructions of EFSA with the modelling process. Each phase includes roles and actions to be taken, expected output and the sequence of agreements that need to be made between all partners in the scientific assessment. In conclusion, it is expected that adherence to the OP will improve transparency of models in EFSA outputs, and it is recommended to adopt it as a standard procedure when responding to AHAW mandates.