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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