Application of Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis Techniques and Decision Support Framework for Informing Select Agent Designation for Agricultural Animal Pathogens

Application of Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis Techniques and Decision Support Framework for Informing Select Agent Designation for Agricultural Animal Pathogens

This report assesses the utility of multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA) and decision support framework (DSF) in assisting the US Department of Agriculture in its reviews of select agents. It uses the method to assess 41 pathogens against 21 criteria for agricultural threat, economic impact, and bioterrorism risk.

2023

The framework used was useful in evaluating agents, and almost 75% of agents evaluated were classified consistently with their current designations. It found that African Horse Sickness virus, B. anthracis Pasteur, B. abortus, B. suis, and Venezuelan Equine Encephalitis virus did not meet the thresholds for select agent status based on MCDA and DSF.