Events and Training

MHASpread has been instrumental in international capacity-building and training initiatives aimed at strengthening disease surveillance and epidemiological modeling expertise among veterinary and public health authorities in Latin America and beyond.

Overview

The MHASpread framework provides a powerful platform for:

  • Hands-on training in stochastic multiscale disease modeling
  • Policy evaluation through scenario-based simulation
  • International collaboration on transboundary animal disease preparedness
  • Knowledge transfer to next-generation disease control experts

Chile FMD Workshop 2024

Event: Chile FMD Simulation Modeling Workshop
URL: workshop_aftosa_chile_2024
Date: 2024
Host: Chilean National Agricultural Service (SAG)

Overview

A comprehensive training program for Chilean national animal health authorities focused on FMD simulation modeling, risk-based surveillance design, and emergency response preparedness.

Target Audience

  • National veterinary authorities (SAG epidemiologists)
  • Regional livestock officials
  • Emergency response coordinators
  • Researchers in veterinary epidemiology

Training Focus

  1. FMD Epidemiology in Practice: South American context, endemic/sporadic regions
  2. Modeling Foundations: SEIR compartmental models, stochastic simulation
  3. MHASpread Practical Session: Running simulations with Chilean farm networks
  4. Control Strategy Evaluation: Depopulation vs. vaccination trade-offs
  5. Cost-Effectiveness Analysis: Economic integration of epidemiological models
  6. Scenario Planning: Designing contingency strategies for FMD entry

Participant Outcomes

Participants gained:

  • Conceptual mastery: Understanding multi-host disease dynamics
  • Technical skills: R-based simulation running and result visualization
  • Policy insight: Evidence-based evaluation of control options
  • Networking: Regional connections with FMD research community

Resources

  • Live modeling demonstrations
  • Worked examples using Chilean livestock data
  • Download tutorials at workshop repository

PANAFTOSA Workshop Rio 2023

Event: Pan American Animal Health Organization (PAHO) Regional Workshop
URL: PANAFTOSA-Workshop-Rio2023
Date: 2023
Host: PAHO Regional Office, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Overview

A landmark regional capacity-building initiative bringing together epidemiologists and veterinary officials from across the Americas to advance collaborative approaches to transboundary animal disease modeling and control.

Participating Countries

  • Brazil (host)
  • Argentina
  • Bolivia
  • Chile
  • Colombia
  • Ecuador
  • Paraguay
  • Uruguay
  • Other regional partners

Training Focus

  1. Transboundary FMD: Epidemiology of multi-country outbreaks, trade routes
  2. Metapopulation Modeling: Network-level disease dynamics across regions
  3. Stochastic Uncertainty: Quantifying model and parameter uncertainty
  4. Joint Preparedness: Coordinated response, data sharing, information exchange
  5. MHASpread Application: Case studies from region and risk scenarios
  6. Policy Integration: Balancing agricultural trade with disease prevention

Collaborative Themes

  • Data harmonization: Standardizing livestock databases across nations
  • Early warning systems: Detecting spatial spread via shared surveillance
  • Coordinated response: Timely information exchange and control alignment
  • Capacity sustainability: Building local expertise for ongoing improvements

Workshop Materials

  • Case studies from 2000–2001 FMD outbreak in South America
  • Worked examples from diverse agroecological zones
  • Regional trade network analysis
  • Collaborative simulation exercises

PAHO MHASpread Workshop Repository

Repository: MHASpread_workshop_PAHO
Type: Open-access educational materials
Access: Freely available on GitHub

Contents

Tutorials

Step-by-step guides covering:

  1. Setting up simulation environment: R packages, data import
  2. Preparing livestock data: Population and movement databases
  3. Running baseline scenario: Uncontrolled epidemic simulation
  4. Control strategy scenarios: Depopulation, vaccination, standstill
  5. Result visualization: Epidemic curves, spatial patterns, outcomes
  6. Cost-effectiveness analysis: Economic integration and comparison

Datasets

Example livestock databases from:

  • Brazilian agricultural regions
  • Bolivian mixed farming systems
  • Chilean livestock networks

Datasets demonstrate:

  • Realistic complexity: Real farm distributions, movement patterns
  • Diverse contexts: Large commercial vs. smallholder systems
  • Reproducibility: Exactly duplicate published results

Worked Examples

Complete R scripts demonstrating:

  • Basic simulation: Running MHASpread with standard parameters
  • Scenario comparison: Multiple control strategies side-by-side
  • Sensitivity analysis: Varying key assumptions
  • Ensemble analysis: Aggregating results across 100+ replicates

Case Studies

Real-world applications described in peer-reviewed literature:

  1. Brazil (Rio Grande do Sul): Historical outbreak reconstruction, control efficacy
  2. Bolivia: Control strategy evaluation in resource-constrained context
  3. Regional comparison: Adaptation of model to different agroecological zones

Video Demonstrations

Screen-capture tutorials demonstrating:

  • Loading data and running simulations
  • Interpreting outputs and generating figures
  • Troubleshooting common issues

Training Outcomes & Impact

Participants Who Have Completed MHASpread Training

  • National authorities from 8+ Latin American countries
  • 100+ epidemiologists and veterinary professionals
  • Research groups now independently applying MHASpread

Documented Applications

Trained participants have subsequently:

  • Conducted country-level FMD risk assessments (Bolivia, Chile)
  • Integrated MHASpread into national preparedness plans
  • Applied methods to other multi-host pathogens (Brucellosis, Bluetongue, peste des petits ruminants)
  • Mentored next generation of modeling experts in their institutions

Knowledge Dissemination

Training participants act as regional experts, conducting:

  • In-country workshops for local veterinary schools
  • Government briefings on FMD preparedness
  • Academic publications leveraging MHASpread methodology
  • Mentoring of students and junior researchers

Training Accessibility

Language

Workshops and materials available (or can be adapted) in:

  • English (primary)
  • Spanish (key materials translated)
  • Portuguese (select materials)

Skill Level

Materials designed for:

  • Beginners to intermediate: No prior R experience required; fundamentals taught
  • Advanced users: Deep-dive technical sessions exploring model internals
  • Mixed-level cohorts: Parallel tracks or flexible pacing

Accessibility Considerations

  • Internet-dependent materials: Limited access workshops offer offline resources
  • Power requirements: Laptop-based simulations (offline scripts for minimal systems)
  • Time commitment: Short (2–3 hour) modules to full week-long intensive courses

Sustainability & Ongoing Support

Online Repository

Permanent home for all training materials:

  • Continuously updated with new examples
  • GitHub enables community contributions
  • Version-controlled for transparency

Mentoring Network

  • Direct support: Contact Machado Lab for technical guidance
  • Peer networks: Alumni form collaborative groups
  • Regional hubs: Trained coordinators in each country

Annual Updates

  • New case studies reflecting current outbreaks
  • Methodological improvements integrated into materials
  • Participant feedback incorporated into curriculum

Call to Action

For Researchers & Students

All training materials are open access. Explore:

  1. Visit workshop repositories (links above)
  2. Run example simulations
  3. Adapt to your livestock system
  4. Share results with community

For Government Agencies

Contact the Machado Lab for:

  • Customized in-country training
  • Scenario planning for your region
  • Integration into national preparedness
  • Technical support for ongoing analysis

For International Organizations (FAO, OIE, PAHO)

Collaborate on:

  • Regional workshops combining multiple countries
  • Surveillance data standardization across borders
  • Capacity-building partnerships with veterinary schools
  • Evidence-based policy at multinational level

Key Publications Citing MHASpread Training

  1. Cespedes Cardenas & Machado (2024): Modeling FMD in Brazil—Frontiers in Veterinary Science
  2. Cardenas et al. (2024): Economic integration—Preventive Veterinary Medicine
  3. Cespedes & Castillo (2023): Bolivia case study—Transboundary and Emerging Diseases

All reference training materials and methodologies developed through these workshops.

Contact & Further Information

Machado Lab

  • Institution: NC State University, College of Veterinary Medicine
  • Website: machado-lab.github.io
  • Email: Contact via institutional website

Principal Investigator

Dr. Gustavo Machado (PI)
@GusMachado

Workshop Coordinators

Nicolas Cespedes Cardenas (MHASpread lead)
ORCID

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I access workshop materials?

All materials are freely available on GitHub (links at top of page). Download, fork, or clone repositories.

Can I run MHASpread without attending a workshop?

Yes! Materials are self-contained. Start with README files and example scripts. Seek help via GitHub issues or contact developers.

Do I need to know R to participate?

No prior R experience needed for basic workshops. Intermediate/advanced sessions assume some familiarity. Learning resources provided.

How often are workshops held?

Depends on partner institutions. Ad-hoc workshops arranged as requested. Check repositories for scheduled events.

Can materials be translated to my language?

Community contributions welcome! Contact Machado Lab about translation partnerships.

Acknowledgments

MHASpread training has been supported by:

  • FUNDESA RS (funding for workshop development)
  • PAHO (Regional coordination and logistics)
  • NC State University (Institutional support)
  • National agricultural agencies (Hosting and participant support)
  • International participants (Feedback and case study contributions)