ABSTRACT
The effective prevention and control of out breaks of foodborne diseases and intoxications associated with foods of animal origin require an holistic approach to the identification of the origin and causes of such outbreaks. This requires an in-depth knowledge of the pre-and post-harvest factors involved, as well as of the causal agents of disease. Specialists working in veterinary public health engage actively in the control and prevention of such diseases and intoxications. Risk analysis is the basis for on-farm and in-plant programmes for the
prevention and, where required, management of such problems. The specialist skills of the veterinary public health professional include an under standing of the dynamics of spread of diseases within populations throughout the food production, pro - ces sing and distribution stages. This expertise is of particular value in the context of the multi - disciplinary approach now being adopted by public health agencies when investigating and controlling incidents of foodborne diseases.
