FAO Creates Animal Emergency Program

March 13, 2001

With heightened public concern about food safety and animal health, the Food and Agricultural Organization released a new multimedia program to help countries set up effective procedures for coping with animal disease emergencies. The Good Emergency Management Practices (GEMP) Program was produced as part of FAO's Emergency Prevention System (EMPRES) for Transboundary Animal and Plant Pests and Diseases.

It is a three-pronged approach that includes early warning, early reaction and control measures. The aim is to help countries to develop emergency preparedness contingency plans for each animal disease

The GEMP program details standard control measures to be implemented during an emergency -- from the first suspicion of the disease to its eradication. Other tools include readiness and planning checklists to help those charged with responding to emergencies clarify their objectives and procedures.

GEMP also provides information on laboratory techniques for disease detection and includes an extensive photo library illustrating disease symptoms to aid in diagnosis. In addition, it contains training materials, video clips and links to laboratories worldwide as well as organizations involved in emergency management.