Emergency diseases

Contents | Introduction | Economic impact | Social issues | Environmental issues | Animal welfare issues | Professional and personal issues | References

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Professional and personal issues

Your responsibilities and roles

Animal health and production professionals need to be aware of their specific responsibilities in the event of an animal disease emergency. What do you do and who do you contact if you are the first to find a possible outbreak of an emergency disease? You also need to know the role you may play during the emergency. Management of emergencies, whatever their nature, has become professional with the employment of trained and skilled people in various parts of the control operation. Veterinarians and animal production professionals do what they are trained to do; communications and project management are undertaken by other professionals etc.

The impact on you personally

Even the most strong and resilient of people may not be aware of the potential personal impact of a new situation as disastrous as an emergency disease. You may have a close friendship with those who have been affected and you are acutely aware of the impact the disease outbreak is having on them and your community. In those situations, it can be hard or even impossible to remain detached from the emotion and distress that the outbreak is engendering. It is important that you are aware of and prepare for the possible personal emotional and psychological impacts.

Ad hoc confidant and counsellor

It will be a natural consequence of your professional relationship with your client and with other affected producers that you will become an ad hoc confidant/counsellor. We do not necessarily have the training, expertise or experience in a range of problems that affected people may be experiencing. Common sense must prevail; you must listen and make any referrals that you think are necessary. A producer may only want to talk. This will be helpful to those who are suffering, but it is important for you to be aware of not becoming too involved. You should seek opportunities to debrief with others or with a professional counsellor.

The impact on your relationship with your clients and with the local community

Human nature is unpredictable. Your very involvement in diagnosing the disease may be considered negatively by some individuals. This is only a remote possibility, but you should be aware of this. On the other hand, your position of influence and dedication to the health and welfare of animals, and your concern for people, may well have a positive outcome for your relationships.

References