Outbreaks of infectious animal diseases within the last 10 - 15 years in areas with intensive livestock production have shown how vulnerable the production systems can be when confronted with an outbreak of a highly infectious disease such as avian influenza, foot and mouth disease or classical swine fever. The veterinary administrations of the Nordic and Baltic countries have established contingency plans; the objectives of the plans include: - to protect animal and human health - to minimize economic loss for the livestock sector and the society as a whole - to minimize damage to the environment. This publication provides information on measures to be considered in contingency planning; the measures take into account: - the pre-epidemic period; disease prevention - the epidemic period; disease eradication - the post-epidemic period; regaining of animal health status

Contingency planning in the area of animal health is all about preparing for threats and outbreaks of exotic disease, i.e. a disease not present in the country. The objective of contingency planning is to encourage livestock keepers, producers and manufacturers of food and feed, veterinarians in the private and public sector and relevant governmental institutions to think about major contingencies and possible response. The planning involves the development of contingency plans based on the four pillars: prevention, preparation, response and recovery and the conduct of simulation exercises.This report presents an overview of contingency planning related to animal diseases, preparedness for natural disasters, experiences gained from outbreaks of African swine fever in Baltic and Eastern European countries and contains the Memorandum of Understanding on a Nordic-Baltic Animal Health Emergency Reserve and on Nordic- Baltic Veterinary Contingency Planning Studies.

Nordic Veterinary Contingency Planning Contingency planning within the area of animal health is based on four pillars: prevention, preparation, response and recovery. The objectives include to encourage animal keepers, veterinarians, producers of food and feed, consumers, private and public institutions involved in food safety to address in the daily work animal disease prevention and possible response related to disease threats and outbreaks. In 2006, the Nordic Council of Ministers (NCM) adopted a strategy plan to enhance veterinary contingency planning in the Nordic and Baltic countries resulting in the creation of the Nordic-Baltic Veterinary Contingency Group. This publication provides information on contingency planning based on the conduct of seminars, workshops and simulation exercises during 2007 – 2011, not previously available to readers of publications issued by NCM.

Veterinary contingency planning in the Nordic-Baltic countries aims to prepare national veterinary administrations and stakeholders to respond speedily and effectively to emergency situations caused by contagious animal diseases. Such diseases may have a disastrous impact on the livelihood of people working in the livestock sector and related industries. The Nordic and Baltic countries have by large adopted very similar guidelines for the development of animal health contingency plans; guidelines based on the four pillars: disease prevention, preparatory arrangements, response and recovery. This report contains information on the conduct of a Nordic-Baltic mini-seminar on the handling of animal by-products and other products in relation to outbreaks of serious transmissible diseases.

Veterinary contingency planning in the Nordic-Baltic countries aims to prepare national veterinary administrations and stakeholders to respond speedily and effectively to an emergency situation caused by highly contagious trans-boundary viral diseases such as avian influenza, foot and mouth disease, and African swine fever. Diseases having a disastrous impact on the livelihood of people working in the livestock sector and related industries.The Nordic and Baltic countries have by and large adopted very similar guidelines for the development of animal health contingency plans; guidelines based on the four pillars: disease prevention, preparatory arrangements, response and recovery.This report contains information on the conduct of a Nordic-Baltic seminar and the recommendations adopted by the seminar participants; the seminar had focus on vaccination, animal welfare, wildlife and costs.

Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) is one of the most serious transboundary animal diseases. It is a highly contagious viral disease, and may have rapid and unanticipated national and international spread. Although not a very lethal disease for adult animals, it can cause crippling socio-economic consequences, through high production and trade losses. This manual provides information on the nature of FMD and the principles and strategic options for its prevention, control and elimination. Guidelines are provided for individual countries threatened by FMD to formulate their overall national policy on control and eradication of a possible incursion of the disease.

Rift Valley fever (RVF) is a mosquito-borne viral animal disease which causes periodic severe epidemics, principally involving ruminant animals. As well as its severe socio-economic and public health consequences, this serious transboundary animal disease is a major constraint to international livestock trade. This manual provides information on the nature of RVF and options for its prevention, control and elimination. It outlines a suggested national RVF contingency plan, to be modified to suit the circumstances of individual countries, as well as identifying personnel, equipment and other facilities required.

Contagious bovine pleuropneumonia (CBPP) represents a major barrier to cattle production in Africa and elsewhere, leading to decreased productivity and lingering animal deaths. The purpose of this manual is to provide guidelines and easy reference source for countries to develop their own national planning policies, strategies and control options in dealing with outbreaks of CBPP.

The Regional Workshop on Preparedness and Response to Aquatic Animal Health Emergencies focused on emergency planning and responses to serious outbreaks of aquatic animal diseases in Asia. These proceedings include all papers presented, group reports and resulting recommendations. The material covers a wide range of topics, from a review of the history, current status and socio-economic impacts of transboundary aquatic animal diseases in Asia to analyses of regional needs in areas such as contingency planning, legislation and capacity building.