Preventing zoonotic diseases: Abu Dhabi authority stresses biosecurity requirements to protect supply chains

Zoonotic diseases, according to the ADAFSA, could be transmitted directly from animals to humans when humans consume infected animal products.

It could also be transmitted indirectly via vectors such as mosquitoes, lice, and rodents.

To avoid zoonotic diseases, the ADAFSA has circulated a notice to step up biosecurity requirements, including the following list:

1. Livestock breeders to comply with its prevention programs​

These programs include animal vaccination, control external parasites, and quarantining and examining new animals before introducing them to the farm's herds.

It also called for animal breeders to separate sick animals from the others, contact the nearest government veterinary clinic in the event of abnormal cattle mortality or suspected cases of diseased animals.

It also asked breeders to get rid of dead animals properly by contacting the waste collection company in the farm's area.

2. Using personal protective equipment​

This is to reduce the risk of contracting a contagious diseases or transmitting them to animals or humans.

The authorities also warned of drinking milk without boiling, particularly camel milk, eating undercooked meat and fish.

It also warned against slaughtering animals outside slaughterhouses, because this could heighten the rain of disease transmission. .

Surveillance surveys

The ADAFSA annually conducts surveillance surveys to monitor infectious diseases, assess the epidemiological status of endemic and emerging diseases, and identify causes of animal mortality.

It also issues veterinary certification of freedom from diseases for exported animals, to control and eliminate epidemics, which achieves the authority's mission aims at strengthening the biosecurity system to prevent diseases and pests