Infectious animal disease and zoonosis

ACTING IN DIFFERENT CRISIS SITUATIONS

Infectious animal disease is an animal disease caused by a biological pathogen.

Infectious animal disease is considered to be especially dangerous if it spreads rapidly in the animal population, causes widespread outbreaks and high mortality rates, and can lead to significant economic loss.

Infectious animal diseases transmitted by vector insects (insects that transmit the infection, e.g. mosquitoes, ticks) can also cause widespread outbreaks.

Infectious animal diseases posing a serious threat to human life and health are also considered dangerous.

Such diseases, which spread from animal to human and/or from human to animal, are called zoonoses. Known zoonoses that have become epidemic include Ebola and AIDS.

In order to prevent the outbreaks of an infectious animal disease and to ensure the preparedness of the institution to prevent the spread of infectious animal diseases, the Agriculture and Food Board performs monitoring studies in livestock. Vaccination of animals is also used as a preventive measure. The cost of vaccinating against some infectious animal diseases is borne by the state as foreseen (e.g. vaccination against rabies in foxes and raccoon dogs) and in some cases by the keeper of animals (for example, vaccination of poultry against Newcastle disease).

It is the responsibility of the keeper of animals to strictly adhere to biosecurity measures (measures to protect animals from infectious agents) and, if an infectious animal disease is suspected, to inform the veterinarian immediately and to cooperate fully with the supervisory authority to prevent the spread of the disease.

Of especially dangerous infectious animal diseases, foot-and-mouth disease (in 1982), classical swine fever (in 1994), Newcastle disease (in 2007), viral haemorrhagic septicemia in farmed fish (in 2011), and African swine fever in wild swine (from 2014) and in domestic swine (2015–2017) have been diagnosed in Estonia.

In order to prevent infectious animal diseases:

  • Do not bring foodstuffs of animal origin (cheese, sausage, raw milk and meat, etc.) from trips (from foreign countries) that may be contaminated with a pathogen.
  • Avoid direct contact with farm animals and game if possible. When visiting a farm, wait at least 48 hours before visiting another farm.
  • Vaccinate your pets against rabies and do not bring unvaccinated pets into the country. Unvaccinated and uncertified animals will not allowed to enter the country and, in the worst case, will be euthanized.

In order to prevent the spread of infectious animal diseases during an outbreak of a disease:

  • Stay up to date with the information provided through official information channels and comply with the established codes of conduct.
  • Make sure if you are located in the endangered zone. Information on this can be obtained from the local government or the Agriculture and Food Board.
  • Be prepared for possible road blocks and, if possible, avoid moving on the roads around the infected farm.
  • Keep your animals indoors. Follow the rules of hygiene. If you have passed through the endangered zone, wash and disinfect your clothes, shoes, and vehicle to prevent the disease from spreading.

 

More information is available at:

https://pta.agri.ee/pollumehele-ja-maaomanikule/loomakasvatus/taudid-torje-ja-ennetus

https://pta.agri.ee/zoonoosid

 

  • Stay up to date with the information provided through official information channels and comply with the established codes of conduct.
  • Make sure if you are located in the endangered zone. Information on this can be obtained from the local government or the Agriculture and Food Board.
  • Be prepared for possible road blocks and, if possible, avoid moving on the roads around the infected farm.
  • Keep your animals indoors. Follow the rules of hygiene. If you have passed through the endangered zone, wash and disinfect your clothes, shoes, and vehicle to prevent the disease from spreading.

 

More information is available at:

https://pta.agri.ee/pollumehele-ja-maaomanikule/loomakasvatus/taudid-torje-ja-ennetus

https://pta.agri.ee/zoonoosid

 

Hotline +372 7358 536 (Monday–Friday 8 a.m. – 4.30 p.m.)