Emerging and Exotic Diseases of Animals

The unintentional or bioterrorist-inspired introduction of exotic animal diseases into the United States has the potential for severe effects on animal and human health and massive economic losses to producers, practitioners, feed industry, pharmaceutical and biologics industries, packers and ultimately consumers.

A highly transmissible foreign animal disease can spread ferociously if undetected and unreported.

To help address this national vulnerability, "Emerging and Exotic Diseases of Animals" was commissioned to guide veterinarians in the detection, prevention, and control of exotic animal diseases such as foot and mouth disease, rinderpest, African horse sickness, Newcastle disease, and screwworm.

Overview chapters explain modes of introduction, the role of international, national, and state agencies in controlling outbreaks and appropriate responses to suspected outbreaks, and recent incursions of exotic diseases. Each of seventy-six diseases are concisely covered in the following user-friendly format: Importance, Etiology, Species affected, Geographic distribution, Transmission, Incubation period, Clinical signs, Post mortem lesions, Morbidity and mortality, Diagnosis include: clinical, differential, laboratory tests, samples to collect, Recommended actions include: notification of authorities, quarantine and disinfection, Public health, References, Its key words include: clinical signs, post mortem lesions, Websites.

The best defense against a disastrous outbreak of foreign animal disease is immediate recognition and eradication.

The text and illustrations in this handy, affordable reference will prepare and support veterinary students and practicing veterinarians in their role as the nation's first line of defense in identifying such outbreaks. Because these diseases involve companion animals, horses, wildlife, zoo animals, and humans, this handbook is an essential reference for every veterinarian's library and for every food animal producer as well.