Legislative framework for national contingency planning and response

Contingency plans are a key tool to prevent and respond to events of different origins and nature that may affect animal health, animal welfare and veterinary public health needs. They should include a number of elements ranging from assessment and notification systems, financial arrangements and the role of national authorities. To help to ensure their effective and rapid implementation and prevent gaps, they should be based on a clear legal framework; this 'enabling legislation' will provide for basic requirements and the overall content of the plans. This paper first examines the basis of an effective and comprehensive legal framework for national contingency planning and response and considers the formal and substantive contents of such a framework. It then looks at different steps that can be taken to evaluate and strengthen existing national legislation. Finally, it describes the assistance role of the World Organisation for Animal Health in reviewing and developing national legislation.