Hampshire and Isle of Wight have 4 risks listed under Animal and Plant Health with 3 being rated as very high:
- Animal Disease – Major outbreak of foot and mouth disease
- Animal Disease – Major outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza
- Animal Disease – Major outbreak of African Swine Fever
Animal diseases that present the most concern is highly contagious and cause high fatality rates amongst livestock. Some diseases are zoonotic, which means they can be transmitted between humans and animals, such as Avian Influenza. With the correct prevention and detection of animal diseases in animal populations, we can help prevent infections.
In 2001 the outbreak of Foot and Mouth caused a crisis in tourism and agriculture within the UK. The outbreak led to the slaughter of 6.5 million animals and cost the UK economy £8 billion. The best defence against this type of disease is biosecurity measures and monitoring (measures to prevent the introduction of pathogens).
More recently the UK have been experiencing Avian Influenza in wild birds. Avian Influenza Prevention Zones have been implemented to everyone who keeps poultry or captive birds in England.
