The EcoZD project uses an EcoHealth approach to better understand and manage zoonotic emerging infectious diseases (ZEIDs) in Southeast Asia. [1] Eight multi-disciplinary teams in six countries conduct integrative research on topics like brucellosis, rabies, and hygiene practices. [2] The goals are to improve regional research, build local capacity, envision alternative disease management practices, and establish strong EcoHealth networks. [3] Lessons learned emphasize managing knowledge exchange, integrating social science, mitigating costs, and aligning with EcoHealth goals to effectively conduct action research using this approach.

1. Examining the Socioecology of Zoonotic Diseases:
EcoHealth Experiences in Southeast Asia
Rainer Assé, Korapin Tohtubtiang, Jeffrey Gilbert, Delia Grace
Ecosystem Approaches to the Better Management of
Zoonotic Emerging Infectious Diseases in Southeast Asia - EcoZD
Background Project Goals
EcoZD project works with government, NGO, Shape regional ZEID research priority-setting
and university agents in 6 countries & 8 multi- Conduct integrative research
disciplinary teams to increase knowledge, skills & Construct tools & methods for integrative
capacity of Southeast Asia research, prevention research
& control personnel in understanding risks and Contribute to evolution of EcoHealth &
impacts of zoonotic emerging infectious diseases integrative approaches
(ZEIDs) & best practice options for better Lead stakeholders to envision alternative
management of ZEIDs. practices for ZEID management
Build capacity of local ZEID prevention &
EcoZD teams use EcoHealth, an integrative control actors
approach which stresses: participatory methods; Empower visionary ZEID prevention & control
transdisciplinarity; systems thinking; leaders
consideration of equity/social justice; Establish strong regional EcoHealth ZEID
sustainability; & knowledge to action. networks & communities of practice
Research Team Topic Critical Socio-Eco Factor Targeted Stakeholder
China Brucellosis: control & prevention Land use-zoning for sanitation Health paraprofessionals, leaders
Cambodia ZEIDs & acute bloody diarrhoea Water, seasonality & hygiene awareness Paraprofessionals commune leaders
Indonesia - Bali Rabies: control & prevention Integrated institutional planning/response Community leaders/paraprofessionals
Lao PDR ZEIDs: smallholder pig systems Land use Community development agents
Thailand & Vietnam – Joint Hygiene: poultry slaughterhouses Aligning risks, regulations, production Community development agents
Vietnam Priority ZEIDs survey Land use-zoning/hygiene awareness Paraprofessionals, Gov & NGO agents
EcoHealth Resource Centers Research + outreach + curriculum
at: development
Chiang Mai University Foodborne diseases/Hill Tribes Integrated institutional planning/response University practitioners
University of Gadjah Mada Leptospirosis Water, seasonality, hygiene awareness University practitioners
Lessons Learned: Managing Teams for Successful EcoHealth Action Research
Manage knowledge exchange & decision making:
for open information flow & non-hierarchical decision-making to foster
transdisciplinary collaboration & team-science
Manage integration of social science methods:
for systems thinking & to construct
models, case studies, & best bet practice/policy recommendations
Manage research:
for mitigating costs & enhancing benefits of using EcoHealth approach
to create added value through innovation & experimentation
Manage team & host institution organizational culture:
for negotiating redefinition of protocols & chains of command
to engender EcoHealth principles
Manage expectations:
for alignment with EcoHealth goals
to capitalize on value-added components & strategic institution building
EcoZD
Ecosystem Approaches to the Better Management of Zoonotic
Emerging Infectious Diseases in the
Southeast Asia Region
Cambodia  China  Indonesia  Lao PDR  Thailand  Vietnam
www. ilri.org/ecozd