Anatomy of a Disease Outbreak

An animal disease outbreak affecting agriculture in the United States often begins with the introduction of a contagious disease through infected animals, contaminated equipment, wildlife, people, or animal products. Once introduced, the disease can spread rapidly between farms through animal movement, shared vehicles and equipment, personnel, or environmental exposure. State and federal animal health officials then work to identify infected premises, trace animal movements, implement quarantines, conduct testing, and strengthen biosecurity measures to contain the outbreak and reduce economic and animal health impacts. It is important for farmers to understand the anatomy of an animal disease outbreak so they can develop effective daily and enhanced biosecurity plans that reduce opportunities for disease introduction and spread, protect animal health, and support rapid response during an outbreak. 

Once you complete this lecture you should be able to:

• Define relevant terms.
• Explain the impacts that an animal disease outbreak can have on a commuinity and the agricultural industry.
• Recognize how an animal disease outbreak may unfold in a given community.

Review the following slideshow presentation and complete the quiz that follows.