In the front-line of global disease

Working closely with colleagues at Defra, EPIC scientists assess which diseases have most potential to spread into Scotland and what impact they might have on the livestock industry. Overall, the risk of the introduction of exotic disease of livestock and horses into Scotland remains low to negligible. In the last year, in addition to foot-and-mouth, bluetongue and avian influenza have become increasingly important potential disease threats. The EPIC system isn't perfect - it only provides general estimates of risk and impact, but its ability to flag up concerns or changes in risk levels can help Scotland to be prepared; after all, forewarned is forearmed.