Disease control options for emergency animal diseases--necessary yet sensitive elimination of disease

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.