New infectious animal diseases that affect public health and have the capacity to cross borders will continue to emerge around the globe. These diseases could potentially develop human-to-human transmissibility, thus they incite public fear and alarmist reactions that impact economic progress, social order, and national security. A proactive approach to disease risk management that combines foresight, prevention, impact mitigation, early detection, and swift and effective responses is warranted.

Sigfrido Burgos
Sigfrido.Burgos@fao.org

Joachim Otte
Joachim.Otte@fao.org

Animal Production and Health Division
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations - FAO
Rome, Italy