Canada regularly faces environmental public health (EPH) disasters. Given the importance of evidence-based, risk-informed decision-making, we aimed to critically assess the integration of EPH expertise and research into each phase of disaster management. In-depth interviews were conducted with 23 leaders in disaster management from Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia, and were complemented by other qualitative methods. Three topics were examined: governance, knowledge creation/translation, and related barriers/needs. Data were analyzed through a four-step content analysis. Six critical success factors emerged from the analysis: blending the best of traditional and modern approaches; fostering community engagement; cultivating relationships; investing in preparedness and recovery; putting knowledge into practice; and ensuring sufficient human and financial resources. Several promising knowledge-to-action strategies were also identified, including mentorship programs, communities of practice, advisory groups, systematized learning, and comprehensive repositories of tools and resources. There is no single roadmap to incorporate EPH expertise and research into disaster management. Our findings suggest that preparation for and management of EPH disaster risks requires effective long-term collaboration between science, policy, and EPH practitioners at all levels in order to facilitate coordinated and timely deployment of multi-sectoral/jurisdictional resources when and where they are most needed.

The Chemical Events Working Group of the Global Health Security Initiative has developed a flexible screening tool for chemicals that present a risk when accidentally or deliberately released into the atmosphere. The tool is generic, semi-quantitative, independent of site, situation and scenario, encompasses all chemical hazards (toxicity, flammability and reactivity), and can be easily and quickly implemented by non-subject matter experts using freely available, authoritative information. Public health practitioners and planners can use the screening tool to assist them in directing their activities in each of the five stages of the disaster management cycle.

Introduction: Invasive mosquito species present significant organizational and health risks of covert disease outbreaks (dengue, Zika, or chikungunya) following an incursion into novel geographies. In Australia, detections at international First Points of Entry will trigger a multi-agency response to prevent escape into nearby urban environments that are largely unmonitored. Brisbane's mosquito surveillance and response systems were challenged in 2017-2018 by the unprecedented frequency of detections in imported oversized tires that stretched the biosecurity response with escape opportunities. Aim: Describe the unique challenges to Metro South Public Health Unit within a complex stakeholder environment represented by federal, state, and municipal agencies. Methods: We present as a case study of an invasive mosquito detection that escalated to a public health incident of statewide significance through an incident management team structure. We focus on describing the significant governance and logistic challenges to the emergency mobilization of Metro South Health staff. Results: Since mid-December 2017 biosecurity have reported 12 detections of invasive mosquito species (Aedes aegypti, Ae. albopictus, Ae. japonicus) in infested tires arriving in Brisbane. Each emergency response was successful due to amendments to operational protocols and policy review. The legacy is a permanent enhancement of local mosquito monitoring, improved response systems, and greater operational preparedness. Discussion: The organizational impact of invasive mosquitoes is likely to be underestimated and under-resourced in jurisdictions beyond their expected distributions. Our experiences demonstrate the value of a clear and shared understanding of interagency emergency frameworks to effectively integrate each response. Resolution of uncertainties around organizational roles and responsibilities, and interpretations of guidelines, implementation strategies for mosquito surveillance, and control in novel contexts will require organizational agility and robust partnerships. Strategic re-focus is recommended to embed robust preventative measures and review of policy to mitigate the risk and impact of emergency responses to future invasive mosquito detections.