Summary
In the event of any emergency animal disease
(EAD) outbreak, the overall aim should be the swift containment and
subsequent elimination of the causal agent, whilst maintaining optimal
welfare of the affected animal population and protection of public
health. The control measures utilised must be acceptable to the general
community and, in particular, the affected animal industries. The
author reviews the disease control measures currently available. However,
where possible, the aim should be the prevention of EADs to minimise
their associated social, environmental, welfare and economic costs.
This is only possible if the animal industries and the relevant authorities
are committed to work together to develop feasible contingency plans
that are regularly tested. In controlling an EAD, every effort should
be made to minimise animal destruction. Where animal destruction is
required, then efforts should be made to minimise wastage through
utilisation of resulting carcasses where possible.
Keywords
Animal
diseases, Animal disposal, Control, Emergencies, Elimination, Options.
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