Acid tests for European health protection (adapted from Van Loock et al6) Emergence of the next influenza pandemic Major European Community-wide outbreak of gastrointestinal disease with transmission outside the community Contamination of an internationally distributed food source Outbreak of an unknown illness, either biological or due to chemical or radiological exposure Appearance of a previously unrecognised pathogen in the blood supply Contamination of a water supply crossing national boundaries Emergent or re-emergent infection abroad that could be imported to European countries, such as severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) International concern over the safety of a widely used vaccine Serious imported infection or epizootic affecting several countries Emergence of a new sexually transmitted infection ("the next HIV") Accidental or covert deliberate release of a serious biological agent Community-wide rising levels of a chronic infection or endemic infectious issue (HIV, tuberculosis, hepatitis B or C, antimicrobial resistance, healthcare associated infections)

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