[Concept of freedom of infection of animal flocks]

Totally negative results of epidemiological investigation of random samples do not prove the absence of the infection as the pathogen may be restricted to only a few animals in the herd for a long time. The statement "absence of infection" is critical for such situations. The question is raised, whether the statement "absence of infection" should be generally avoided. Classification of herds and flocks according to the prevalence of the pathogen would be more valid for the implementation of control measures.