Approach to Suspected Outbreak Flashcards
Outbreak
- Occurrence of more cases of a disease than expected within a given region, community or group
- Evidence of disease within a facility
Endemic
Disease commonly found in or restricted to a particular region, community or group
Epidemic
Level of disease in a population significantly greater than usual
Pandemic
Epidemic that affects multiple regions/areas
Case
Animal that is infected with disease
Control
Animal that is not infected with disease
Index case
First known infected animal
Where can you look for information about the index animal?
Pathogen/agent
Environment
Diagnostics
Cohort of animals
Owners/stakeholders
How can you get information to identify cause of outbreak?
History
Clinical exam
Environmental assessment
Diagnostics
History questions to ask
Who?
Which animal/groups of animals are involved?
Owners/handlers (zoonoses)
What?
How many are affected?
Have any died?
When?
When was the problem noticed?
When did the first animal become ill?
Where?
Are animals affected at multiple sites/one specific area?
Why?
Has anything changed recently?
Have new animals been introduced?
What to look at in environmental assessment
Hygiene
□ Mucking out
□ Minimising contact between animals
Water source
□ Bore or mains?
□ Treated with UV filter?
□ Where is it sourced/stored?
Biosecurity
□ Visitors to property?
□ Other species present?
Key elements for prevention of disease
- Good levels of hygiene and biosecurity
- People trained in disease control
- Good facility design & review/maintenance
○ Physical barriers to disease spread - Regular observation of animals and prompt intervention
- Stress reduction for animals
- Preventive treatments
- Good nutrition
Zoonotic disease
Disease transmissible to humans from animals
Reportable disease
Legally obliged to report to APHA when causative agent is identified
Notifiable disease
Legally obliged to report to APHA even if it is only suspected
