D5681.PDF

3–5 May 2004 – Geneva, Switzerland
World Organisation
for Animal Health
World Health
Organization
Food and Agriculture Organization
of the United Nations
in collaboration with the
Health Council of the Netherlands
Report of the WHO/FAO/OIE
joint consultation on
emerging zoonotic diseases
Report of the WHO/FAO/OIE
joint consultation on
emerging zoonotic diseases

Report of the WHO/FAO/OIE
joint consultation on
emerging zoonotic diseases
Report of the WHO/FAO/OIE
joint consultation on
emerging zoonotic diseases
3–5 May 2004 – Geneva, Switzerland
in collaboration with the
Health Council of the Netherlands
World Organisation
for Animal Health
World Health
Organization
Food and Agriculture Organization
of the United Nations
WHO/CDS/CPE/ZFK/2004.9

© Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), World Health
Organization (WHO), and World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE), 2004
All rights reserved.
The designations employed and the presentation of the material in this work, including
tables, maps and figures, do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part
of FAO, WHO, and OIE concerning the legal status of any country, territory, city or area or of
its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers and boundaries.
The mention of specific companies or of certain manufacturers’ products does not imply that
they are endorsed or recommended by the FAO, WHO or OIE in preference to others of a
similar nature that are not mentioned. Errors and omissions excepted, the names of proprietary
products are distinguished by initial capital letters.
The World Health Organization does not warrant that the information contained in this
publication is complete and correct and shall not be liable for any damages incurred as a
result of its use.

Contents
1 Introduction 5
2 Background 5
3 Objectives of the consultation 6
4 Conclusions 6
5 Recommendations 8
5.1 Global recommendations 8
5.2 Regional/national recommendations 9
Annex 1 List of participants 10
Annex 2 Agenda 20
Annex 3 Abstracts of keynote speeches 22
A3.1 Recent examples of emerging zoonotic diseases: SARS and avian influenza 22
A3.2 A review of emerging zoonoses and the public health implications 23
A3.3 Risk factors for the emergence of zoonotic diseases 24
A3.3.1 Microbiological risk factors 24
A3.3.2 Environmental, climatic risk factors 24
A3.3.3 Social, behavioural and cultural risk factors 28
A3.3.4 Economic risk factors and impacts 29
A3.4 Detection, surveillance, response and control 31
A3.4.1 The OIE early warning and reporting systems 31
A3.4.2 Existing early warning systems and their application
to emerging zoonoses 32
A3.4.3 Monitoring systems 33
A3.4.4 Predictive mathematical modelling 35
A3.4.5 Complexities of seeking agents in wildlife reservoirs 35
A3.4.6 Control strategies: implementation of generic safety measures 36
A3.4.7 Partnership between animal and public health for control
of emerging zoonoses 36
A3.4.8 Improving preparedness and response to emerging zoonoses.
WHO’s Global Alert and Response: current approach and future needs 37
Annex 4 Improving detection, prevention and control of and response
to emerging zoonoses 40
A4.1 Risk factors for zoonotic disease emergence 40
A4.2 Alert and early warning systems and surveillance 44