“Smart markets”: harnessing the potential of new technologies for endemic and emerging infectious disease surveillance in traditional food markets

Abstract

Fast detection and rapid intervention are crucial to mitigate risks of pathogen emergence, spillover and spread—every second counts. However, comprehensive, active, longitudinal surveillance systems at high-risk interfaces that provide real-time data for action remain lacking. This paper proposes "smart market" systems harnessing cutting-edge tools and a range of sampling techniques, including wastewater and air collection, multiplex assays, and metagenomic sequencing. Coupled with robust response pathways, these systems could better enable Early Warning and bolster prevention efforts.