Territorial risks analysis by transboundary animal diseases in Cuba

Abstract

A methodology for the territorial risk analysis of biological disasters due to transboundary animal diseases (TADs) was developed and conducted in all municipalities in the country. The methodology identifies the relevant places for the potential entry and the following spreading of TADs (objectives with biological risk-OBR), and characterizes the level of their vulnerability (sanitary gaps) as well as that of the local animal populations. The vulnerability of animal populations considers many topics divided into four aspects: structure of animal production, sanitary control, urbanization of animal rearing, and general characteristics of the municipality. In 161 municipalities, 1597 OBRs were identified. Few municipalities were classified at the highest level of risk but sanitary breaches were identified in many of them. The identification of sanitary breaches and the General Index of Biological Risk in each municipality and OBR was usefull for the improvement of
the disaster risk reduction plan. The communication of the biological risk is better understood and accepted by the stakeholders through this process. The use of the methodology for developing plans for prevention diseases at local level is discussed.