Emerging and High Consequence Diseases
Emerging diseases can include any newly discovered pathogen, diseases that have spread to new or additional locations or different hosts, or that have increased in occurrence. One example was the introduction of West Nile virus into the United States in 1999 and its subsequent spread across the nation in the years to follow.
Many of the recent emerging diseases of humans are also considered zoonotic diseases – diseases of animals that can be transmitted to humans – increasing the potential risk for individuals in close contact with animals.
High consequence diseases are those that affect agricultural commodities, such as livestock, poultry or crops, resulting in severe economic impacts from production decline or loss, or possible restrictions or bans placed on the export of commodities.
Introduction of these diseases are naturally occurring (e.g., weather patterns, vectors, or wildlife) or accidental (e.g., import, human activities) but can be prevented in most cases by taking the proper precautions and preparedness actions.
Learn more about emerging and high consequence diseases of animals and crops, prevention measures, and how to protect your family, livestock and crops.
Emerging and High Consequence Diseases Preparedness Factsheets
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• Emerging Zoonotic Diseases and Your Family (pdf, 1 page) • More Family Resources |
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• High Consequence Diseases and Your Livestock (pdf, 2 pages) • More Livestock Resources |
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• High Consequence Diseases and Your Crops (pdf, 2 pages) • More Crop Resources |
Additional Web Resources
List of PDFs concerning emerging diseases in a variety of species.
U.S. Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (USDA APHIS)
Includes information about diseases of interest, as well as other emerging issues, such as antimicrobial resistance and effects of weather on disease transmission.
U.S. Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (USDA APHIS)
Website focuses on issues in Michigan, but provides many useful links that would be helpful in any part of the country.
State of Michigan
Article on foodborne pathogens and diseases, focusing on food animals, eggs, and dairy products.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Pinpoints worldwide outbreaks of animal diseases, and includes information on specific diseases.
World Health Organization, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United States, World Organization for Animal Health
A brief powerpoint presentation on the recognizing and responding to an infectious disease.
North Dakota State University Extension Service
General information on the pathogenesis, signs, diagnosis, treatment and control of swine influenza virus.
National Pork Board, American Association of Swine Practitioners
List of all recent worldwide outbreaks of animal diseases, organized by week. Each entry is a link to the report of the outbreak.
World Organization for Animal Health (OIE)