Key Concepts and Principles of Epidemiology, Prevention, and Control of Animal Diseases

The prevention and control of animal diseases through veterinary services worldwide are recognized as a global public good. These activities have a significant impact on agricultural production, food safety and security, public health, animal welfare, market access, and rural poverty alleviation. The veterinarians therefore should have a sound knowledge of the principles, concepts, tools, etc., with regard to the management of infectious and contagious diseases. This includes methodologies to carry out disease surveillance, concept of an epidemiological triad and how to identify the route and source of infection transmission, various disease preventive and control measures, etc. The most efficient and cost-effective method of disease management is to prevent diseases from entering and spreading to livestock populations and humans. The effectiveness of animal disease prevention and control policies is dependent on good governance and the quality of veterinary services in accordance with “World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH)” standards and guidelines. This chapter discusses ethical ways to prevent and control animal diseases, including hygienic animal housing and immunization of the animals.