Development of One Health-based community surveillance system to study zoonotic diseases: a study protocol

Animals are responsible for a substantial burden of infectious diseases and pose a serious threat to human health, particularly in peri-urban areas where human-animal-environment interfaces are intensified due to rapid urban expansion. This protocol aims to develop a One Health-based community surveillance system to assess the prevalence, transmission dynamics and risk factors associated with brucellosis, leptospirosis and scrub typhus in a peri-urban setting in Odisha, India. We will conduct a prospective mixed-methods cohort study over 3 years in two peri-urban blocks of Khordha district. About 1,293 households and approximately 1,200 animals will be enrolled. Data on disease prevalence, environmental risk factors, and health behaviours will be collected through structured household surveys, serological testing of human and animal populations and environmental sampling. Findings will provide longitudinal insights into zoonotic disease patterns, key transmission pathways and modifiable risk factors. Intervention packages will be formulated based on a Theory of Change (ToC) framework which will include evidence-based behaviour change communication (BCC) strategies, water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) interventions, animal vaccination campaigns, and public awareness initiatives. A digital surveillance platform will be developed to facilitate real-time data integration and visualization across human, animal, and environmental health sectors. The outcome will help in evidence-based recommendations for zoonotic disease prevention, enhance early detection and response strategies, and strengthen One Health collaboration. Insights from this study will contribute to national disease surveillance programs, supporting policy decisions for improved public health in low-resourced settings.