PLAN D_INTERVENTION D_URGENCE CONTRE LA PESTE BOVINE

The OIE International animal health code includes rinderpest in List A diseases, which aredefined as "communicable diseases which have the potential for serious and rapid spread,irrespective of national borders, which are of serous socio-economic and major importancein the international trade of animal and animal products.The time of mass vaccination for the control of rinderpesr has passed for most countries inAfrica (primarily in North, Southern, Western and Central Africa) which is now entering thefinal phase of eradication. The threat of re-introduction of rinderpest is best met by astrategy which relies on early warning of disease occurrence, through rapid recognition andthorough investigation of suspicious disease events, and ensured early reaction system forrapid containment and elimination of disease.The regional dimension is another important element of preparing for an event reintroductionof rinderpest since all outbreaks of rinderpest must come from somewhere and,usually, this will be from a neighbouring country, usually a neighbour, in the region. Thosecountries with a perceived common status and risk can benefit from developing coordinatedand mutually supportive rinderpest emergency plans which would facilitate the developmentof sound strategies by pooling intellectual resources and reducing the cost of, for example,maintaining vaccine and equipment banks, and diagnostic facilities.This document was prepared to assist countries to enhance their emergency preparednessthrough establishing their own National Rinderpest Emergency Plans.