CMO launches infectious disease strategy

British plan to tackle infectious diseases, including zoonoses

source: Veterinary Record vol 150 no 3, January 19 2002 p59

Britain’s Chief Medical Officer has announced that a new agency will be set up to tackle infectious diseases, including zoonoses, or diseases than can be transmitted from animals to humans. This follows a Department of Health recommendation. The National Infection Control and Health Protection Agency would bring together health protection bodies, and liase with public health services. Zoonoses include avian influenza, in Hong Kong, vCJD, and conditions arising from Escherichia coli 0157. Potential terrorist threats using biological weapons such as anthrax are also to be tackled. Measures to tackle infectious diseases include education and vaccination programmes.
GN,HH