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The role of local government in managing disease risks in rural areas

A Relu Policy and Practice Note (No. 29) that looks at the changing risks of diseases which affect people and/or livestock and how the latest research from the Rural Economy and Land Use Programme might help relevant staff in local authorities to play their part in managing them.

Year of Publication2011

Local authorities have responsibilities in relation to a range of diseases which affect people and/or livestock. How are these risks changing and how might the latest research from the Rural Economy and Land Use Programme help relevant staff in local authorities to play their part in managing them? Some diseases that affect livestock or wild animals, such as Lyme disease, are endemic – meaning they are constantly present. Others, such as Foot and Mouth disease, are characterised by specific outbreaks. Some diseases are zoonotic – they may be passed onto humans. The threats are diverse and changing. New diseases are arriving in the UK as a result of expanding trade, increased travel and climate change and the incidence of disease, and its impacts, may also increase with changed environmental conditions. The Health and Social Care Bill is expected to strengthen the role of local authorities in protecting and improving public health.

This item is categorised as follows

• Subject Collection > Rural policy & development > UK rural policy
• Subject Collection > Livestock & dairy > Animal health & welfare
• Subject Collection > Environmental impact > Climate change
• Subject Collection > Rural policy & development
• Subject Collection > Livestock & dairy
• Subject Collection > Livestock & dairy > Veterinary practice

Additional keywords/tags

lyme diseasefoot and mouth diseaserisk managementpublic healthfmdcryptosporidiosisavian influenzae coli o157disease management