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Review
. 2006 Mar;14(3):125-31.
doi: 10.1016/j.tim.2006.01.004. Epub 2006 Feb 7.

Animal movements and the spread of infectious diseases

Eric M Fèvre  1 , Barend M de C Bronsvoort, Katie A Hamilton, Sarah Cleaveland
Affiliations
Review

Animal movements and the spread of infectious diseases

Eric M Fèvre et al. Trends Microbiol. 2006 Mar.

Abstract

Domestic and wild animal population movements are important in the spread of disease. There are many recent examples of disease spread that have occurred as a result of intentional movements of livestock or wildlife. Understanding the volume of these movements and the risks associated with them is fundamental in elucidating the epidemiology of these diseases, some of which might entail zoonotic risks. The importance of the worldwide animal trade is reviewed and the role of the unregulated trade in animals is highlighted. A range of key examples are discussed in which animal movements have resulted in the introduction of pathogens to previously disease-free areas. Measures based on heightened surveillance are proposed that mitigate the risks of new pathogen introductions.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Monthly totals of cats and dogs entering England as part of the PETS between February 2000 (start of scheme) and February 2005. Total entries over this period numbered 210 989 cats and dogs. Red bars, dogs; blue bars, cats. Data obtained from the Rabies and Equine Division, Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA).
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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