Population displacements as a risk factor for the emergence of epidemics.

Wars and civil conflicts have been terrible experiences since ancient times but, regretfully, they are always present even in the 21st century. Their catastrophic effects are still lived by many populations displaced from their native areas. Conflicts, particularly the civil ones, create disruption in most aspects of national structures and populations, which are forced to move to more or less safer or even distant areas, survive under downgraded conditions. They are usually housed in temporary shelters in overcrowded camps and contaminated environment. Water and food are neither safe nor sufficient. Malnutrition, lack or weak sanitary care and long-term stress lead these populations to being vulnerable to severe infections. Under such conditions there are high rates of morbidity and mortality, with elders and children being the main victims. Public health, animal health, municipalities and other inter-related sectors should work on preparedness plans well in advance in order to provide ways and means to face emergencies. Zoonotic and other communicable disease outbreaks should not be left uncontrolled, as their impact would be an additional burden for the country under unrest. Guidance should be provided on how to best articulate an emergency management plan from the early detection of outbreaks up to their control. These aspects are briefly exposed together with the imperative request for alleviation of suffering and of the multitude of hazards conflict-affected populations have to face.

Multidisciplinary collaboration in veterinary public health.

Multidisciplinary collaboration has been recognised necessary for centuries and has a long tradition. It is supported by solid bases, and is required to control a number of risk factors. Its practice encounters difficulties in various critical points. At present, the models of collaboration provided by the activities of the WHO/Mediterranean Zoonoses Control Centre and by the Med-Vet-Net network of the European Community represent relevant examples.

Zoonoses in the Mediterranean region.

The Mediterranean and Middle East Region (MME) is considered the most important area for the historical development and concentration of zoonoses. Besides the classical Mediterranean pattern, an urbanised pattern has emerged which is strongly influenced by globalisation. Both patterns co-exist and have many peculiarities affecting the life cycles of zoonoses and their social impact. The features of those zoonoses which are now most relevant in the MME (brucellosis, rabies, cystic echinococcosis, leishmaniasis, food-borne zoonoses) are discussed. Besides other relevant activities, the World Health Organization has established, since 1979, a specialised programme with a unit coordinating and managing activities: i.e. the Mediterranean Zoonoses Control Centre, operating from Athens, Greece.