The ECDC is responsible for the surveillance of infectious diseases in the European Union and shall maintain the databases for epidemiological surveillance. Data are collected by the ECDC for case-based reporting from the Member States for the routine surveillance of the 46 diseases (listed in the Decisions 2002/253/EC and 2003/534/EC) plus SARS, West Nile Fever and Avian Influenza.

Surveillance tasks include:

• Search, collect, collate, evaluate and disseminate relevant scientific and technical data
  
• Coordinate and ensure the integrated operation of the dedicated surveillance networks
  
• Develop integrated data collection systems covering all MS and all notifiable communicable diseases, maintain the databases for surveillance and establish EU-wide standard case reporting
  
• Initiate applied scientific studies and projects for the feasibility, development and preparation of its activities
  
• Closely cooperate with the organizations operating in the field of data collection
  
• Monitor trends of diseases across Europe in order to provide a rationale for public health actions in MS and disseminate the results to stakeholders for timely public health actions at EU and MS level
  
• Support strengthening of national surveillance systems