Infectious Diseases

Question 1

What is an outbreak

Answer 1

Occurrence of more cases of a disease than expected in a given region, community or group; evidence of disease spread within a facility

Question 2

What does endemic mean

Answer 2

Disease commonly found in, or restricted to a particular region, community or group

Question 3

What does epidemic mean

Answer 3

A level of disease in a population significantly greater than usual

Question 4

What is a pandemic

Answer 4

Epidemic that affects multiple regions/areas

Question 5

Definition of index case

Answer 5

First known infected animal

Question 6

What is a reportable disease

Answer 6

By law, has to be reported to APHA when the causative agent has been identified (usually reported by laboratories)

Question 7

What is a notifiable disease

Answer 7

are animal diseases that you’re legally obliged to report to the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), even if you only suspect that an animal may be affected

Question 8

4 considerations for an infectious disease outbreak in small animals

Answer 8

Outbreaks can occur within pet-owning communities e.g. parvo in puppies

More commonly occur in high-density environments e.g. breeding facilities, rescues or hoarder homes
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Environment may influence level of investigation and diagnostics

Homing considerations

Question 9

Considerations for an infectious disease outbreak in horses

Answer 9

Type of property
Number of owners /stakeholders

Implications for horse movement
APHA e.g. equine infectious anaemia
Rules of Racing e.g. ringworm- not allowed to race, despite not being a serious disease
Voluntary codes e.g. strangles

Question 10

Considerations for an outbreak of an infectious disease in farm animals

Answer 10

Herd-level investigation vs individual animal

Implications for animal movements, neighbours etc.

Do we need to reach a diagnosis?
Might not change the outcome of what you do, may still make the same recommendations

Food consumption implications?