DISASTER MANAGEMENT: THE ROLE AND PREPAREDNESS OF VETERINARY SERVICES

and managing the risk of biological, natural and technological disasters impacting on the economy, animal health and veterinary public health. It goes on to summarise the answers to a questionnaire from 25 countries in the region. While Veterinary Services are generally involved in disasters, they have greater presence and leadership in biological disasters. Hazard response plans are widely available at national level but their availability diminishes the closer the level descends to the productive base, which is where many of the protective measures must actually be implemented. Countries highlight issues relating to early warning, early diagnosis and rapid response, as well as veterinary legislation, although some national legislation fails to include certain aspects, hindering Veterinary Authorities ’ performance. The report identifies the ten diseases considered by most countries to pose a disaster risk to the region and for which countries have emergency plans. The ten diseases with bioterrorism potential are also identified, but the existence of emergency plans for such diseases is not the same. However, countries do not link the issue of bioterrorism with disaster risk reduction and management, implying low perception of this potential hazard