title: Epidemiology for the equine practitioner.
abstract: In this article, I have discussed the principles and methods of outbreak investigation, reinforcing important concepts with examples from the veterinary literature. The approach presented is applicable to outbreaks caused by any agent whether it is infectious versus noninfectious or contagious versus noncontagious. The solutions vary. The experience of others presented with similar situations may be especially helpful. Because of their nature, outbreaks are difficult to prepare for. When faced with a potential outbreak, the best strategy is to approach it scientifically, systematically, and with an open mind.
authors.affiliation: Division of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, USA. rd-smith@uiuc.edu
authors.forename: R D
authors.initials: RD
authors.lastname: Smith
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D004196:Disease Outbreaks / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000662:veterinary*; D004812:Epidemiologic Methods / Q000662:veterinary*; D006734:Horse Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D006736:Horses