Turnock defines an epidemic as “The occurrence of a disease or condition at higher than normal levels in a population.†Last’s Dictionary of Epidemiology defines outbreak as “An epidemic limited to a localized increase in the incidence of a disease. For example in a village, town or closed institution upsurge is sometimes used as euphemism for “outbreak.†(1995) In teaching materials from the CDC the term “outbreak†is used synonymous with “epidemic†but public health officials often use the term “outbreak†so as to avoid panic.
All definitions of these two terms indicate a “higher than normal†element. In the practical sense at the public health level the term “outbreak†will be used when the health of human or animal population is impacted necessitating investigation. The determining factors on whether to proceed with investigation are:
- Cost and effort of the investigation
- Determination of resource priority
- Magnitude of the illness
- Information known about affected individuals
A important item to make mental note of is that any outbreak or epidemic will require, it appears in Washington State, an investigation. This investigation falls under is categorized of an emergency and can be seen in government legislation and documents with an emergency clause which is linguistically identifiable as: “health, safety, and welfare†of the people.
The Health Department and Agriculture Departments will investigate cases of notifiable diseases for four reasons:
- Confirm the case meets case definitions
- Determine if there are environmental or other causes of illness that can be ‘remedied’.
- Identify other people (animals) who may have been exposed for purposes of ‘treatment’ and ‘vaccination’.
- To educate or isolate communicable individuals (animals) so that their infection is not transmitted to others
According to RCW.36.040-Rules-Prevention-Inspection and tests-Reportable Diseases-Federal Regulations- The Director may adopt and enforce rules to carry out the purposes and provisions in this chapter, and including:
- Preventing spreading the introduction or spreading of infections, contagious, communicable or dangerous diseases
- Governing the inspection and testing of all animals within and to be imported to the state
- Designating any disease as a reportable disease
- Allowance of state regulations that may be more stringent than federal regulations
Pay careful attention, the Director may classify any disease as reportable under these regulations. Furthermore, you are required by law, to comply with an investigation which can include your involuntary participation in the NAIS.
RCW 16.36.060 Tests or examination-Entry onto premises-unlawful conduct- The Director has the authority to enter animal premises of any animal owner at any reasonable time to make tests on or examination of any animals for disease conditions when there is reasonable evidence that animals on the premises are infected with or have been exposed to a reportable disease. (The Director has authority to make any disease reportable). It is unlawful for any person to interfere with tests and examination, or to alter any segregation or identification systems made in connection with tests of examinations.
Failure to comply will result in QUARANTINE. The proposed WSDA regulations take the failure to comply and quarantine one step further, you and your animals will be defined as a “menace”. It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out what that once you are legally defined as a “menace” what the next step will be: eradication. This is sure sounding very familiar….legally redefining people and animals, and then ordering their destruction. I have heard of this somewhere before, ummmm…….. This is the scenario we face January 3, 2008 in Washington State.
There is language in the Farm Bill about keeping your information private, with their FOIA exempt clause. Just how confidential is the information collected on you and your property? Your information is not private, except from you. The information obtained in the biosurveillance collection process has an upward swing of release of information: local to state; state to national; national to international. Did you know that your doctor visits are ultimately reported to the World Health Organization and that animal diseases are reported to corresponding United Nations (UN) disease monitors? Even over the counter cough medicine or animal treatments are monitored and tracked so that the powers-that-be can watch for hidden or emerging “outbreaks”.
A key concept of in scientific study is that definitions are to remain unambiguous terms.
Once again we find conflict with the Webster’s Dictionary definitions. “Outbreak†is defined as a breaking out; sudden occurrence, as disease. “Epidemic†is defined as spreading very rapidly among many people in the community, as in disease.
With knowledge comes the responsibility for action. What will be your action plan? There is still time to participate in the regulatory process and also the upcoming legislative session. Your absolute right of ownership is on the line as well as life as you know it today. When our ‘public servants’ come a knocking on your door what will be your response? You and your animals can be legally chipped during this process. There is a flurry of activity right now ensuring that all life will be chipped, tracked and monitored. We are at a crossroads: you can serve G-d or man. I personally serve G-d and will use His Word as a lamp unto my feet to determine my steps in the days to come.
Failure to comply carries with it tough consequences, but for some of us there is no option, we cannot comply. There can be no fence-sitters in this engagement. You either stand firm or comply.
“As for me and my house we will serve the Lord.”
From the trenches,
Celeste
