What is the appropriate sequence for inspecting animals on a suspect FMD farm?

The correct sequence begins with inspecting healthy animals that have had no contact with sick animals, followed by healthy animals that have had contact with sick animals, and finishing with the hospital facility. This approach prioritizes biosecurity and the risk of disease transmission.

Starting with healthy animals that have not been in contact with any sick animals allows for an assessment of the overall health of the population while minimizing the risk of spreading foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) should any individuals be inadvertently exposed. By establishing a baseline of health in the unharmed group, inspectors can better gauge the potential effects of FMD in subsequent inspections.

Next, examining healthy animals that have had contact with sick animals is crucial, as this group may be at a higher risk of carrying the disease despite not showing symptoms themselves. Checking these animals can help identify any subclinical cases of FMD and prevent further spread.

Finally, inspecting the hospital facility is essential to understand the management of the sick animals and the measures in place to contain the infection. Assessing this facility last helps prevent the possible transmission of the disease to healthy animals during the inspection process.

This sequence effectively employs a risk management strategy, ensuring that the least susceptible individuals are examined first before moving on to those potentially more at risk, ultimately aiding