Effective animal disease control -: an epidemiological and financial point of view

The animal disease control policy in Germany is closely associated with the general policy of the European Union. In principle, the national legislation on animal disease control considers the responsibility of the Federal States. However, this is becoming increasingly challenged by expanding globalisation. The main objectives of the animal disease control policy are the prevention of dangerous and newly emerging diseases and the control of economically important diseases. Validated diagnostic methods, adequate funding and appropriate information and documentation systems are essential as well as the use of epidemiological methods such as prevalence studies, cost-benefit analyses and modelling. The paper discusses the possibilities of improving crisis management of animal diseases in general and of existing eradication programmes in Germany.