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

The animal health situation in the Middle East is particularly unfavourable, in that this area is significantly exposed to many serious animal diseases. Typical factors which contribute to this situation are illustrated with reference to an outbreak of Rift Valley fever in Egypt from 1977 to 1980. The Middle East is ill prepared to institute disease prevention and control measures, due to deficiencies at both national and regional levels. Early disease detection, diagnosis and reporting must become a priority, both within these countries and among them. The author describes several regional animal health programmes which are supported by international institutions and underlines their respective importance.