Annex 21

TERMINOLOGY: USE OF THE TERMS‘ENZOOTIC’, ‘ENDEMIC’, ‘EPIZOOTIC’ AND ‘EPIDEMIC’

Article 4.19.1.

Introduction

The purpose of this chapter is to provide recommendations for the preparation, development and implementation of *official control programmes* for *listed* and *emerging diseases*. It is not aimed at providing ready-made fit-for-all solutions, but rather at outlining principles to follow when combating transmissible animal diseases, including zoonoses. Although this chapter focuses primarily on *listed* and *emerging diseases*, the recommendations may also be used by the *Veterinary Authorities* for any *notifiable diseases* or diseases against which they have established *official control programmes*.

The *Veterinary Authority* should determine the diseases against which *official control programmes* are to be prepared, developed and implemented, according to an evaluation of the actual or likely impact of the disease. *Official control programmes* should be prepared by the *Veterinary Authority* and *Veterinary Services* in close collaboration with the relevant stakeholders and other authorities, as appropriate.

When a *listed disease* or *emerging disease* occurs in a Member Country, the *Veterinary Authority* should implement control measures proportionate to the likely impact of the disease in order to minimise its spread and consequences and, if possible, eradicate it. These measures can vary from a rapid response (e.g. to the first occurrence of a disease) to long-term control (e.g. of an endemic disease).

*Official control programmes* should be justified by rationales developed on the basis of *risk analyses* and taking into account animal health, public health, socio-economic, *animal welfare* and environmental aspects. They should preferably be supported by relevant cost-benefit analysis and should include the necessary regulatory, technical and financial tools.

*Official control programmes* should be developed with the aim of achieving defined measurable objectives, in response to a situation in which private action is not sufficient. Depending on the prevailing epidemiological, environmental and socio-economic situations, the goal may vary from the reduction of impact to the *eradication* of a given *infection* or *infestation*.

The general components of an *official control programme* should include:

1)	a plan of the programme to control or eradicate the relevant *infection* or *infestation* in the country or *zone*;

2)	appropriate *veterinary legislation*;

3)	emergency preparedness plans and emergency response plans;

4)	*surveillance* of the relevant *infection* or *infestation* in accordance with Chapter 1.4.;

5)	regular and prompt animal disease reporting;

6)	detection and management of *cases* of the relevant *infection* or *infestation*, to reduce the *incidence* and the *prevalence* by minimising transmission;

7)	measures implemented to prevent introduction or spread of the relevant *infection* or *infestation*, including *biosecurity* and *sanitary measures* such as movement control;

8)	a *vaccination* programme, if appropriate;

9)	measures to protect public health, if appropriate;

10)	communication and collaboration among all relevant *Competent Authorities*;

11)	awareness programme for relevant stakeholders including the general public if appropriate.

The critical components of *official control programmes* for diseases that are not present in the country or *zone* are measures to prevent their introduction, an *early warning system*, and a plan for rapid response and effective action, possibly followed by long-term measures. Such programmes should include options for revising or ending them.

*Official control programmes* and the application of their components should be regularly evaluated. Learning from past *outbreaks*, from both ~~epizootic~~epidemic or ~~enzootic~~endemic situations, reviewing the response sequence and revising the methods are critical for adaptation to evolving circumstances and for better future performance. Experiences of the *Veterinary Services* of other Member Countries may also provide useful lessons. Plans should be tested regularly to ensure that they are fit-for-purpose, practical, feasible and well understood, and that staff are proficient and other stakeholders are fully aware of their respective roles and responsibilities.

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**Article 9.3.1.**

**General provisions**

For the purposes of the *Terrestrial Code*, European foulbrood is a disease of the larval and pupal stages of honey bees (species of the genus *Apis*), caused by *Melissococcusplutonius* (*M.plutonius*), a non-sporulating bacterium, which is widely distributed. Subclinical *infections* are common and require *laboratory* diagnosis. *Infection* remains~~enzootic~~ endemic because of mechanical contamination of the honeycombs. Recurrences of disease can therefore be expected in subsequent years.

When authorising import or transit of the *commodities* covered in the chapter, with the exception of those listed in Article 9.3.2., *Veterinary Authorities* should require the conditions prescribed in this chapter relevant to the European foulbrood status of the honey bee population of the *exporting country* or *zone*.

Standards for diagnostic tests are described in the *Terrestrial Manual*.

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*WOAH Terrestrial Animal Health Standards Commission/September 2022*1

*WOAH Terrestrial Animal Health Standards Commission/September 2022*1