Animals can carry pathogens that can also make humans ill. The resulting diseases are called zoonoses. RIVM monitors zoonoses, from identification to response. As commissioned by the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA), RIVM draws up an annual overview of the main zoonoses currently in the Netherlands and the frequency with which they occur (prevalence and incidence). This mainly concerns cases of zoonoses  that are subject to mandatory reporting (notifiable diseases). Confirmed cases in humans must be reported to the Municipal Public Health Services (GGDs), while confirmed cases in animals must be reported to the NVWA. Policymakers and other professionals can use this information to take measures as needed.

The GGDs play a key role in zoonosis control by identifying and dealing with zoonoses that are subject to mandatory reporting and by raising public awareness of how to prevent zoonoses (zoonosis literacy). At the supra-regional level, collaboration also takes place within the various zoonosis networks in the Netherlands. These networks each have different scope and objectives. In addition, various GGDs and universities are researching zoonoses.

In 2022, the Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport (VWS) and the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security and Nature (LVVN) issued the National Action Plan for the Strengthening of the Zoonotic Disease Policy . The RIVM programme Versterking Zoönosen (ZOOver) is implementing a number of these actions, which can be grouped into nine themes:

  • One Health identification
  • One Health surveillance
  • One Health data sharing and ICT
  • Prioritisation of zoonoses
  • Knowledge and innovation
  • International
  • Response
  • Living environment
  • Zoonosis literacy

Key actions in this context include prioritising emerging zoonoses and setting up a One Health surveillance system for animals, humans and the environment by sharing relevant data on prioritised zoonoses. To facilitate this, RIVM is developing a generic quantitative method known as Multi Criteria Decision Analysis, or MCDA. RIVM is also working on methods to recognise zoonoses and assess risks quickly.

In addition, RIVM is developing a knowledge platform for vectors and vector-borne infectious diseases and working with others on international surveillance activities. In the context of response, RIVM is working on strengthening supra-regional collaboration by developing a programme organisation and guidelines for zoonoses, updating the guidelines issued by the National Coordination Centre for Communicable Diseases Control (LCI) and conducting exercises with regional networks.