Epizootics

An epizootic is a mass infectious disease of animals in a limited area, significantly exceeding the incidence rate usually recorded in this territory.

The term "epizootic" comes from the Greek words "epi" - "above, beyond" and "zoon" - "animal". It means the spread of an infectious disease among a large number of animals in a short period of time.

Epizootics include diseases such as rinderpest, foot and mouth disease, rabies, bird flu and others. Epizootics cause great economic damage to livestock production, and some diseases (rabies, anthrax) are also dangerous to humans.

The causes of epizootics are varied. This may be the introduction of infection from the outside, weakening of the animal’s immunity due to unfavorable living conditions, as well as a decrease in disease prevention measures. To combat epizootics, quarantine and veterinary and sanitary measures are carried out.