Human and animal health

Human health

Infectious diseases like the flu or Coronavirus have the potential to cause a huge impact to public health. These may occur in outbreaks, epidemics or pandemics:

outbreak - this is a small but noticeable increase in cases in one area, for example flu or measles
epidemic - is a bigger spread across a larger area. This may be from a known virus or the early stages of a new virus which may become a pandemic
pandemic - an epidemic becomes a pandemic when it reaches multiple countries

Pandemics can strain health services, disrupt businesses, and affect everyday life as it did during the Covid pandemic.

Be ready for a health pandemic

stay informed by following official advice from the government and NHS websites - visit the NHS North East and Yorkshire website or the Humber and North Yorkshire Integrated Care Board website. If you suffer from hearing loss you can call 18001 111
get vaccinated - keep up to date with routine and seasonal vaccines
plan ahead:
- keep a supply of essentials like food, medicines, and cleaning products
- make a list of emergency contacts
work arrangements - know your employer’s remote working policy
community support - check in on neighbours who may need help

Stay safe during a health pandemic

wash hands often with soap and water
keep indoor spaces ventilated
wear a face covering in crowded or enclosed places
stay at home if you feel unwell
call 111 the NHS non-emergency helpline for medical advice if needed

Animal health

Animal diseases like bird flu, foot and mouth, or bluetongue can spread quickly among livestock. Some can also infect humans.

These outbreaks can harm farming, the food chain supply, and the economy.

Be ready for an animal disease outbreak

if you keep animals:
- register livestock and land with the Rural Payments Agency on the government website and the Animal and Plant Health Agency on the government website
- keep farm records up to date
- follow biosecurity rules, for example for cleaning equipment, disinfecting footwear
stay informed - view information on animal disease prevention on the government website. You can also sign up for animal disease alerts from the Animal and Plant Health Agency on the government website
plan for restrictions as outbreaks could cause movement bans or housing orders for poultry

Stay safe during an animal disease outbreak

do not touch sick or dead animals
report dead wild birds to Defra on 03459 335577
wash hands thoroughly after contact with animals or farm environments
avoid eating or drinking near animals
if you feel unwell after visiting a farm, call NHS 111

The North Yorkshire Local Resilience Forum has a community risk register, which highlights the risks that could have an impact on our local communities and how you can be ready for these risks and stay safe.

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