Simple models to assist in communicating key principles of animal disease control

Aggressive actions for disease eradication, including animal disposal, can have serious impacts on the livestock industry, environment and public confidence. Coordinated efforts are required for effective, efficient and acceptable disease control and eradication. The authors summarise concepts from previous publications into a group of simple examples, schematic diagrams and basic equations. These simplified models may be used to communicate principles of disease control to livestock owners and workers, and to regulatory officials and policy-makers. Such stakeholders may not have time to study more complex models. It is hoped that a broader appreciation of key principles will compel stakeholders to act routinely in a manner that improves the prevention and control of infectious animal diseases.