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<p>Zoonotic infections threaten both human and animal health. For zoonotic diseases,
we have systems in place to detect and manage outbreaks, for both endemic (those that
are already found in the UK) and exotic infections, collaborating closely with the
public health agencies.</p><p> </p><p>For Salmonella for example, we have well established
National Control Programmes in the poultry sector to protect public health. These
mandate regular testing for Salmonella followed by appropriate measures to help control
the risk where flocks are found to be positive.</p><p> </p><p>The Animal and Plant
Health Agency’s (APHA) scanning surveillance programme is set up to detect a wide
range of animal-related disease threats through diagnostic service and the networks
of expertise in its Species Expert Groups.</p><p> </p><p>We also carry out horizon
scanning for infections not yet in the UK. This helps us prepare for possible future
incursions, through the APHA’s International Disease Monitoring programme and through
collaborative work with UK public health bodies in the Human and Animal Infection
and Risk Surveillance group. This group assesses new and emerging infections and advises
on suitable mitigations and controls that may be necessary to protect public health.</p><p>
</p><p>Defra has an England Disease Contingency Plan for exotic notifiable diseases
and our disease control plans are exercised regularly. The contingency plan outlines
how we would work with other government agencies and departments to control zoonotic
diseases as well as those which only affect livestock. This is being put to use at
the moment, through our response to avian influenza outbreaks.</p>
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