Factors to consider when using vaccine to control an exotic disease outbreak

Recent global events have dramatically increased the attention given to veterinary medical regulatory authorities' responsibility of protecting their country's agricultural interests from the threat of exotic disease outbreaks. A vaccine can be a valuable tool to help curb the spread of an exotic disease epidemic and/or lessen its economic impact. However, the decision on whether or not to use a vaccine during an outbreak may be complex and have far-reaching impacts. The decision must be approached in a logical and orderly fashion, taking into account the scientific, economic, political, and practical considerations that are unique to each individual disease outbreak. A decision-making process for the use of a vaccine developed for foot-and-mouth disease and its potential application to help decide on the use of vaccines in other exotic disease outbreaks is discussed.