Risk analysis

Risk analysis is an international standard methodology to determine the consequences of specified actions, for example importation of living animals. Risk analysis consists of 4 elements:

• Hazard identification
• Risk assessment
• Risk management
• Risk communication

The Danish Agriculture and Food Council carries out risk analysis according to international standards laid down by the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) and Codex Alimentarius.

Risk analysis can be used for many issues within the veterinary area, but the Danish Agriculture and Food Council is focusing mainly on two specific areas:

• Livestock diseases (e.g. introduction of exotic diseases through imports)
• Food safety (e.g. appearance of zoonotic agents in meat)

In recent years the sector has built up a competence in risk analysis. This has often been achieved by managing acute problems as they presented themselves. Risk assessments regarding food safety have also been carried out in connection with negotiations with the Danish Veterinary and Food Administration, Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Fisheries.

Risk assessments and simulations are also performed in a research context regarding the introduction and spread of infectious livestock diseases.

There is increasing focus on the design of risk based surveillance systems to secure that action against zoonoses and infectious diseases is taken there where the risk is greatest – to ensure a cost-effective surveillance.

The economic analysis of the utility value of measures, both within meat production and food product safety, is of significant value in the optimal allocation of resources. For this purpose cost-effective analyses of major control measures and monitoring programmes are carried out.