Disease Outbreak Investigation in the Beef Herd

Defining the Problem

Abstract

Disease outbreak investigations can be an important, challenging part of beef practice. They require one to develop, by planning and experience, a thorough investigative approach which can be used to identify patterns and distinguish between the normal and the abnormal. Epidemiology is a key tool, but careful observation and logical deduction are also important. If handled correctly, even the most complicated disease outbreak situations can become excellent practice builders for the bovine practitioner.

We present the basic steps that we have found necessary to ensure success in an investigation of disease problems in the beef herd. We place emphasis in this particular presentation, though, on one of the main tasks of the investigation, which is to clearly define the problem as early as possible. This is because, to paraphrase some well-placed advice, a problem well-defined is three-quarters of the solution.