Compartmentalisation and zoning: the Dutch perspective.

The aim of the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) procedure of compartmentalisation is to contribute to safe trade in live animals and animal products. The fundamental requirement for its application is that the population considered for trade remains epidemiologically separate from populations of higher risk. Compartmentalisation makes use of a functional separation through management, taking into account all relevant epidemiological factors. In this paper, the authors begin by describing current (inter)national developments and actions in this field. Second, some sensitive issues are outlined where one internationally accepted view would help to implement compartmentalisation successfully in international trade. The OIE standards do not contain the procedure for assessing the biosecurity plan, which is crucial. The authors propose the use of a hazard analysis and critical control point system (HACCP) to determine the effectiveness of a biosecurity plan, taking account of all possible risks and potential disease entry points. This could be based on the model of the Codex Alimentarius Commission. Other issues discussed are the outbreak of disease close to a compartment, the role of certification agencies and non-compliance with the biosecurity plan.