Disease prevention and preparedness for animal health emergencies in the Middle East.

Summary The animal health situation in the Middle East is particularly unfavourable, as this area is exposed to many serious animal diseases. The Middle East is ill-prepared to institute disease prevention and control measures, due to deficiencies at both national and regional levels. Early detection, diagnosis and reporting of diseases must become a priority within these countries and effective communication should be maintained among them. Regional animal health programmes and the support of international institutions are essential to improve preparedness for natural or human-caused emergency situations, which can seriously affect animal health. Such emergencies can also have significant impacts on related public health issues.