Technical guidelines on rapid risk assessment for animal health threats

The occurrence and spread of an animal health threat can be prevented whena timely assessment of the risk is carried out to inform prevention, responseand control measures. These technical guidelines on rapid risk assessment(RRA) are designed as a simple and practical tool to be used by veterinaryservices to build risk assessment capacities and assist decision-makers inconducting qualitative RRA on the emergence, occurrence and/or spreadof animal health threats. Using available evidence, data and information,a multidisciplinary team can conduct an RRA in a short time (within twoweeks).The publication provides a simple and flexible methodology for conductinga RRA when facing a disease event. Eight steps in the RRA process aredescribed and detailed examples are provided. The final outcomes of theRRA provide robust evidence and guidance for decision-makers in designingtimely prevention, control and eradication measures that contribute tosustainable livelihoods, animal health, public health and enhanced foodsecurity