This policy briefing document is based on the internal PPLPI working document, Assessing Policy Responses to the Threat
of Contagious Diseases of Animal Origin, December 2005, by Otte, J., Pfeiffer, D. and Roland-Holst, D. The briefing concerns the mangement of transmissable zoonotic pathogens such as avian influenza virus to public health and economic security with particular emphasis on East and Southeast Asia. Strategies to contain health risks can affect prices, production and international trade, so they must involve parties at all levels from the producer to central government and industrial partners. A system of incentive and penalty mechanisms for disease reporting with traceability is recommended.