A substance produced by bacteria or fungi that destroys or prevents the growth of other bacteria and fungi.

The mineral content of a product remaining after complete combustion.

Presenting no symptoms of disease.

(Singular: bacterium) Microscopic living organisms that can aid in pollution control by metabolizing organic matter in sewage, oil spills or other pollutants. However, bacteria in soil, water or air can also cause human, animal and plant health problems.

Living organisms or derivates (e.g. viruses, bacteria, fungi, and mammal and bird antigens) that can cause harmful health effects when inhaled, swallowed, or otherwise taken into the body.

A virus, therapeutic serum, toxin, antitoxin, vaccine, blood, blood component or derivative, allergenic product, or analogous product used in the prevention, diagnosis, treatment, or cure of diseases in humans or animals.

Water that contains animal, human, or food waste.

1. A maximum capacity greater than 450 L (119 gallons) as a receptacle for a liquid;
2. A maximum net mass greater than 400 kg (882 pounds) and a maximum capacity greater than 450 L (119 gallons) as a receptacle for a solid; or
3. A water capacity greater than 454 kg (1000 pounds) as a receptacle for a gas as defined in 49 CFR 173.115.

A bearer and transmitter of a agent capable of causing infectious disease. An asympotomatic carrier shows no symptoms of carrying an infectious agent.

• Suspect – Animal with clinical signs, which may be consistent with an FAD/EDI.
• Presumptive positive (Index case) - Animal with clinical signs consistent with FAD/EDI plus the following: 1) sample is positive; 2) other epidemiological information is indicative of the FAD/EDI.
• Presumptive positive (Secondary case) -- Animal with clinical signs consistent with FAD/EDI plus one or both of the following: 1) sample ispositive; 2) other epidemiological information is indicative of the FAD/EDI.
• Confirmed positive – Agent is isolated and identified Case Priority Designation - Indicates APHIS response levels, sample handling and testing protocols. Designated 1 to 3 for investigations.

A proper scientific name for the active ingredient of a product.

The industry-sponsored Chemical Transportation Emergency Center; provides information and/or emergency assistance to emergency responders.

Substances or pollutants that pose "imminent and substantial danger to public health and welfare or the environment. It is defnined under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA), or known as the Superfund law. The term "pollutant or contaminant" includes, but is not limited to, any element, substance, compound or mixture, including disease-causing agents, which after release in the environment and upon exposure, ingestion, inhalation, or assimilation into any organism, will likely cause death, disease, behavioral abnormalities, cancer, genetic mutations, physiological malfunctions (including reproductive), or physical deformations in such organisms or their offspring.

The Chief Veterinary Officer of the United States is usually the Deputy Administrator of Veterinary Services Emergency Management Leadership Team (EMLT) – consists of VS leaders responsible for animal health emergency management.

A long-term exposure, usually occurring at low concentrations.

A group of organisms, such as a species, whose members share homologous features derived from a common ancestor. The avian virus H5N1 clade 1 includes human and bird isolates from Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, and Malaysia. Clade 2 viruses have been identified in bird isolates from China, Indonesia, Japan, and South Korea.

Document that codifies all rules of the executive departments and agencies of the federal government. It is divided into fifty volumes, known as titles. Title 40 of the CFR (referenced as 40 CFR) lists all environmental regulations.

A rating of the purity of water based on a count of fecal bacteria.

An authority responsible for the implementation and application of health measures under these Regulations;

A liquid which has a flash point above 37.8 C.

Persons or enterprises which produce less than 220 pounds of hazardous waste per month. Exempt from most regulation, they are required merely to determine whether their waste is hazardous, notify appropriate state or local agencies, and ship it by an authorized transporter to a permitted facility for proper disposal. (See : small quantity generator.)

A contagious disease is easily spread from one person to another by contact with the infectious agent that causes the disease. The agent may be in droplets of liquid particles made by coughing or sneezing, contaminated food utensils, water or food.

An article of transport equipment :

1. of a permanent character and accordingly strong enough to be suitable for repeated use;
2. specially designed to facilitate the carriage of goods by one or more modes of transport, without intermediate reloading;
3. fitted with devices permitting its ready handling, particularly its transfer from one mode of transport to another; and
4. specially designed as to be easy to fill and empty;

A place or facility set aside for containers used in international traffic;

The presence of an infectious or toxic agent or matter on a human or animal body surface, in or on a product prepared for consumption or on other inanimate objects, including conveyances, that may constitute a public health risk;

Under the Controlled Products Regulation, a controlled product is defined as a material, product or substance which is imported or sold in Canada and meets the criteria for one or more of the following classes: -

• Class A - Compressed Gas
• Class B - Flammable and Combustible Material
• Class C - Oxidizing Material
• Class D - Poisonous and Infectious Material
• Class E - Corrosive Material
• Class F - Dangerously Reactive Material

An aircraft, ship, train, road vehicle or other means of transport on an international voyage;

A natural or legal person in charge of a conveyance or their agent.

A material that can attack (corrode) metals or cause permanent damage to human tissues such as skin and eyes on contact.

A procedure in which hazardous materials are identified and followed as they are produced, treated, transported, and disposed of by a series of permanent, linkable, descriptive documents (e.g. manifests). Commonly referred to as the cradle-to-grave system.

A material containing a RG 2, 3, or 4 infectious substance prepared and maintained for growth and storage.

The breakdown of a substance, often due to heat, decay or other effect, with the release of other compounds such as vapors or gases that may be flammable or toxic.

A procedure whereby health measures are taken to eliminate an infectious or toxic agent or matter on a human or animal body surface, in or on a product prepared for consumption or on other inanimate objects, including conveyances, that may constitute a public health risk.

For persons, baggage, cargo, conveyances or goods, the act of leaving a territory.

The procedure whereby health measures are taken to control or kill rodent vectors of human disease present in baggage, cargo, containers, conveyances, facilities, goods and postal parcels at the point of entry.

A percentage that represents the number of molecules of a compound removed or destroyed in an incinerator relative to the number of molecules entering the system (e.g. a DRE of 99.99 percent means that 9,999 molecules are destroyed for every 10,000 that enter; 99.99 percent is known as "four nines." For some pollutants, the RCRA removal requirement may be as stringent as "six nines").

Any human or animal material, other than a RG 4 infectious substance, being transported for diagnostic or investigational purposes, but excluding live infected humans or animals.

The Director-General of the World Health Organization.

An illness or medical condition, irrespective of origin or source, that presents or could present significant harm to humans.

The procedure whereby health measures are taken to control or kill infectious agents on a human or animal body surface or in or on baggage, cargo, containers, conveyances, goods and postal parcels by direct exposure to chemical or physical agents.

The procedure whereby health measures are taken to control or kill the insect vectors of human diseases present in baggage, cargo, containers, conveyances, goods and postal parcels.

A chemical or physical process that kills pathogenic organisms in water, air, or on surfaces. Chlorine is often used to disinfect sewage treatment effluent, water supplies, wells, and swimming pools.

The quantity of a substance specified in a U.S. Department of Transportation regulation that triggers labeling, packaging and other requirements related to shipping such substances.

One process in which influenza virus undergoes mutation. The amount of change can be subtle or dramatic, but eventually as drift occurs, a new variant strain will become dominant. This process allows influenza viruses to change and re-infect people repeatedly through their lifetime and is the reason influenza virus strains in vaccine must be updated each year. See shift.

A disease occurring suddenly in a community, region or country in numbers clearly in excess of normal. See pandemic.

includes tracing all contacts with affected animals and premises including movements of non-susceptible livestock, humans, fomites, animal products or by-products, crops/grains, feedstuffs.

Study of the distribution of disease, or other health-related states and events in human populations, as related to age, sex, occupation, ethnicity, and economic status in order to identify and alleviate health problems and promote better health.

A confined area for the controlled feeding of animals. Tends to concentrate large amounts of animal waste that cannot be absorbed by the soil and, hence, may be carried to nearby streams or lakes by rainfall runoff.

Any material that ignites easily and will burn rapidly.

"See Explosive Limits".

One that will readily catch fire and continue to burn in air if exposed to a source of ignition.

1. Flammable Aerosol- a material that is packaged in an aerosol container which can release a flammable material.
2. Flammable Gas- a gas which can readily catch fire and continue to burn.
3. Flammable Liquid - a material that gives off a vapor which can readily catch fire and continue to burn. A flammable liquid has a flashpoint below 37.8 C.
4. Flammable Solid- a material which can readily catch fire and continue to burn vigorously and persistently. This may occur from friction, absorbing moisture, from spontaneous chemical change, or by retaining heat from manufacturing or processing.
5. Reactive Flammable Material - a material which is a dangerous fire risk because it can react readily with air or water.

This occurs when a trail of flammable material is ignited by a distant source of ignition. The flame then travels back along the trail of gas, vapor or aerosol to its source.

A veterinarian who has been through the foreign animal disease training course at Plum Island and receives continuing education in FADs and animal health emergency management.

On site assessment conducted by FADDs, as part of the national surveillance program for exotic or emerging animal diseases. The assessment includes: a history of clinical and epidemiological findings, results of physical examinations, necropsy findings, specimen collection and submission to approved laboratory, reporting, initiating appropriate control measures, et al.

Permission for a ship to enter a port, embark or disembark, discharge or load cargo or stores; permission for an aircraft, after landing, to embark or disembark, discharge or load cargo or stores; and permission for a ground transport vehicle, upon arrival, to embark or disembark, discharge or load cargo or stores;

1. A facility or mobile source that emits pollutants into the air or releases hazardous waste into water or soil. 2. Any person, by site, whose act or process produces regulated medical waste or whose act first causes such waste to become subject to regulation. Where more than one person (e.g. doctors with separate medical practices) are located in the same building, each business entity is a separate generator.

A process of inserting new genetic information into existing cells in order to modify a specific organism for the purpose of changing one of its characteristics.

Damaging to DNA; pertaining to agents known to damage DNA.

Any compound that kills disease-causing microorganisms.

Tangible products, including animals and plants, transported on an international voyage, including for utilization on board a conveyance;

A point of land entry in a State Party, including one utilized by road vehicles and trains;

A motorized conveyance for overland transport on an international voyage, including trains, coaches, lorries and automobiles;

The principal screening tool used by EPA to evaluate risks to public health and the environment associated with abandoned or uncontrolled hazardous waste sites. The HRS calculates a score based on the potential of hazardous substances spreading from the site through the air, surface water, or ground water, and on other factors such as density and proximity of human population. This score is the primary factor in deciding if the site should be on the National Priorities List and, if so, what ranking it should have compared to other sites on the list.

1. Any material that poses a threat to human health and/or the environment. Typical hazardous substances are toxic, corrosive, ignitable, explosive, or chemically reactive. 2. Any substance designated by EPA to be reported if a designated quantity of the substance is spilled in the waters of the United States or is otherwise released into the environment.

A nyone who directly affects hazardous materials transportation safety.

An evaluation of available data on existing or potential risks to human health posed by a Superfund site. The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) of the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is required to perform such an assessment at every site on the National Priorities List.

Procedures applied to prevent the spread of disease or contamination; a health measure does not include law enforcement or security measures;

Rapidly spreading from animal to animal as well as herd to herd. Transmission can occur via direct and indirect modes; has above normal morbidity/mortality per unit time; could be based on species or production.

Similar in position, structure, function, or characteristics.

An organism on or in which a parasite lives.

1. In genetics, the organism, typically a bacterium, into which a gene from another organism is transplanted.

2. In medicine, an animal infected or parasitized by another organism.

The unique code assigned to each generator, transporter, and treatment, storage, or disposal facility by regulating agencies to facilitate identification and tracking of chemicals or hazardous waste.

An individual suffering from or affected with a physical ailment that may pose a public health risk;

The cells, tissues and organs that help the body to resist infection and disease by producing antibodies and/or altered cells that inhibit the multiplication of the infectious agent.

A facility located at a safe distance from an emergency site, where the incident commander, key staff, and technical representatives can make decisions and deploy emergency manpower and equipment.

A material known to contain or suspected of containing a pathogen that causes disease in humans or animals. An infectious substance must be assigned a risk group. (Division 6.2)

Hazardous waste capable of causing infections in humans, including: contaminated animal waste; human blood and blood products; isolation waste, pathological waste; and discarded sharps (needles, scalpels or broken medical instruments).

Means taking a material into the body by mouth (swallowing).

The entry and development or multiplication of an infectious agent in the body of humans and animals that may constitute a public health risk.

The examination, by the competent authority or under its supervision, of areas, baggage, containers, conveyances, facilities, goods or postal parcels, including relevant data and documentation, to determine if a public health risk exists.

The movement of persons, baggage, cargo, containers, conveyances, goods or postal parcels across an international border, including international trade.

The transportation :

1. Between any place in the United States and any place in a foreign country;
2. Between places in the United States through a foreign country; or
3. Between places in one or more foreign countries through the United States.

(a) In the case of a conveyance, a voyage between points of entry in the territories of more than one State, or a voyage between points of entry in the territory or territories of the same State if the conveyance has contacts with the territory of any other State on its voyage but only as regards those contacts;

(b) In the case of a traveler, a voyage involving entry into the territory of a State other than the territory of the State in which that traveler commences the voyage;

Possibly provoking discomfort through close or intimate contact or questioning;

The puncture or incision of the skin or insertion of an instrument or foreign material into the body or the examination of a body cavity. For the purposes of these Regulations, medical examination of the ear, nose and mouth, temperature assessment using an ear, oral or cutaneous thermometer, or thermal imaging; medical inspection; auscultation; external palpation; retinoscopy; external collection of urine, faeces or saliva samples; external measurement of blood pressure; and electrocardiography shall be considered to be non-invasive;

Separation of ill or contaminated persons or affected baggage, containers, conveyances, goods or postal parcels from others in such a manner as to prevent the spread of infection or contamination;

Water that collects contaminants as it trickles through wastes, pesticides or fertilizers. Leaching may occur in farming areas, feedlots, and landfills, and may result in hazardous substances entering surface water, ground water, or soil.

A material, other than an elevated temperature material, with a melting point or initial melting point of 20 °C (68 °F) or lower at a standard pressure of 101.3 kPa (14.7 psia). A viscous material for which a specific melting point cannot be determined must be subjected to the procedures specified in ASTM D 4359 “Standard Test Method for Determining Whether a Material is Liquid or Solid”.

Classified under "Poisonous and Infectious Material" as a material causing toxic effects such as skin or respiratory sensitization, carcinogenicity, mutagenicity, etc.

The preliminary assessment of a person by an authorized health worker or by a person under the direct supervision of the competent authority, to determine the person’s health status and potential public health risk to others, and may include the scrutiny of health documents, and a physical examination when justified by the circumstances of the individual case.

A periodic comprehensive review of a worker's health status; acceptable elements of such surveillance program are listed in the Occupational Safety and Health Administration standards for asbestos.

A water system that serves 3,300 to 50,000 customers

The temperature at which a solid material becomes a liquid.

A hazardous material, other than a hazardous waste, that is carried on a motor vehicle—

1. For the purpose of protecting the health and safety of the motor vehicle operator or passengers;
2. For the purpose of supporting the operation or maintenance of a motor vehicle (including its auxiliary equipment); or
3. By a private motor carrier (including vehicles operated by a rail carrier) in direct support of a principal business that is other than transportation by motor vehicle.

A Division 6.2 material, other than a Category A infectious substance, contained in human or animal samples (including, but not limited to, secreta, excreta, blood and its components, tissue and tissue fluids, and body parts) being transported for research, diagnosis, investigational activities, or disease treatment or prevention, or is a biological product or regulated medical waste.

The material must be contained in a combination packaging. For liquids, the inner packaging must be leakproof, and the outer packaging must contain sufficient absorbent material to absorb the entire contents of the inner packaging. For sharps, the inner packaging (sharps container) must be constructed of a rigid material resistant to punctures and securely closed to prevent leaks or punctures, and the outer packaging must be securely closed to prevent leaks or punctures. For solids, liquids, and sharps, the outer packaging must be a strong, tight packaging securely closed and secured against movement, including relative motion between packages, within the vehicle on which it is being transported.

1. For other than a regulated medical waste, the amount of Division 6.2 material in a combination packaging must conform to the following limitations:
   
   • One or more inner packagings, each of which may not contain more than 0.5 kg (1.1 lbs) or 0.5 L (17 ounces), and an outer packaging containing not more than 4 kg (8.8 lbs) or 4 L (1 gallon); or
     
   • A single inner packaging containing not more than 16 kg (35.2 lbs) or 16 L (4.2 gallons) in a single outer packaging.
     
2. For a regulated medical waste, a combination packaging must consist of one or more inner packagings, each of which may not contain more than 4 kg (8.8 lbs) or 4 L (1 gallon), and an outer packaging containing not more than 16 kg (35.2 lbs) or 16 L (4.2 gallons).

The national centre, designated by each State Party, which shall be accessible at all times for communications with WHO IHR Contact Points under these Regulations;

The federal operations center that receives notifications of all releases of oil and hazardous substances into the environment; open 24 hours a day, is operated by the U.S. Coast Guard, which evaluates all reports and notifies the appropriate agency.

The worldwide outbreak of a disease in numbers clearly in excess of normal. See epidemic.

1. Fine liquid or solid particles such as dust, smoke, mist, fumes, or smog, found in air or emissions. 2. Very small solids suspended in water; they can vary in size, shape, density and electrical charge and can be gathered together by coagulation and flocculation.

Microorganisms (e.g., bacteria, viruses, or parasites) that can cause disease in humans, animals and plants.

It has the meaning as determined in the national law of the State Party concerned.

A passage for international entry or exit of travellers, baggage, cargo, containers, conveyances, goods and postal parcels as well as agencies and areas providing services to them on entry or exit.

A natural or man-made material formed by combining units, called monomers, into long chains.

A seaport or a port on an inland body of water where ships on an international voyage arrive or depart.

An addressed article or package carried internationally by postal or courier services.

Any individual or company--including owners, operators, transporters or generators--potentially responsible for, or contributing to a spill or other contamination at a Superfund site. Whenever possible, through administrative and legal actions, EPA requires PRPs to clean up hazardous sites they have contaminated.

An extraordinary event which is determined, as provided in these Regulations:

1. to constitute a public health risk to other States through the international spread of disease
2. to potentially require a coordinated international response.

The monitoring of the health status of a traveller over time for the purpose of determining the risk of disease transmission.

A likelihood of an event that may affect adversely the health of human populations, with an emphasis on one which may spread internationally or may present a serious and direct danger.

The restriction of activities and/or separation from others of suspect persons who are not ill or of suspect baggage, containers, conveyances or goods in such a manner as to prevent the possible spread of infection or contamination.

It refers to temporary or standing recommendations issued under these Regulations.

An animal, plant or substance in which an infectious agent normally lives and whose presence may constitute a public health risk.

A waste or reusable material known to contain or suspected of containing a RG 2 or 3 infectious substance and generated in the diagnosis, treatment, or immunization of human beings or animals, research related to these activities, or the production or testing of biological products.

1. Generic term for actions taken in response to actual or potential health-threatening environmental events such as spills, sudden releases, and asbestos abatement/management problems. 2. A CERCLA-authorized action involving either a short-term removal action or a long-term removal response. This may include but is not limited to: removing hazardous materials from a site to an EPA-approved hazardous waste facility for treatment, containment or treating the waste on-site, identifying and removing the sources of ground-water contamination and halting further migration of contaminants. 3. Any of the following actions taken in school buildings in response to AHERA to reduce the risk of exposure to asbestos: removal, encapsulation, enclosure, repair, and operations and maintenance. (See: cleanup.)

A measure of the probability that damage to life, health, property, and/or the environment will occur as a result of a given hazard.

A number from 1 (low risk) to 4 (high risk) that represents the rank of a microorganism’s ability to cause injury through disease to an individual and community based on its severity, mode and ease of transmission, and reversibility through available agents and treatment.

Information furnishing a level of proof based on the established and accepted methods of science.

The accepted fundamental laws and facts of nature known through the methods of science.

Any object that is or may become contaminated with a pathogen through handling or during transportation that is capable of cutting or penetrating skin or a packaging material.

Persons or enterprises that produce 220-2200 pounds per month of hazardous waste; they are required to keep more records than conditionally exempt generators. The largest category of hazardous waste generators, SQGs, include automotive shops, dry cleaners, photographic developers, and many other small businesses. (See: conditionally exempt generators.)

The ability of a material to dissolve in water or another liquid.

Reducing the amount of materials entering the waste stream from a specific source by redesigning products or patterns of production or consumption (e.g., using returnable beverage containers). Synonymous with waste reduction.

A class of plants or animals having common attributes and designated by a common name. Theoretically, plants or animals of different species cannot interbreed. However, occasionally this does not hold true.

Non-binding advice issued by WHO for specific ongoing public health risks pursuant to Article 16 regarding appropriate health measures for routine or periodic application needed to prevent or reduce the international spread of disease and minimize interference with international traffic.

The point in time when there is a guarantee or set-aside of funding by EPA, other federal agencies, states or Principal Responsible Parties in order to begin response actions at a Superfund site.

The veterinary officer for a particular State or territory of the US in charge of animal health activities.

The systematic ongoing collection, collation and analysis of data for public health purposes and the timely dissemination of public health information for assessment and public health response as necessary.

Those persons, baggage, cargo, containers, conveyances, goods or postal parcels considered by a State Party as having been exposed, or possibly exposed, to a public health risk and that could be a possible source of spread of disease.

Non-binding advice issued by WHO pursuant to Article 15 for application on a time-limited, risk-specific basis, in response to a public health emergency of international concern, so as to prevent or reduce the international spread of disease and minimize interference with international traffic.

It has the meaning as determined in the national law of the State Party concerned.

A Division 6.1 (poisonous) material from a plant, animal, or bacterial source that contains or is contained in a Division 6.2 material.

A natural person undertaking an international voyage.

(1) Any method, technique, or process designed to remove solids and/or pollutants from solid waste, waste-streams, effluents, and air emissions.

(2) Methods used to change the biological character or composition of any regulated medical waste so as to substantially reduce or eliminate its potential for causing diease.

A medical, diagnostic, or research device or piece of equipment, or a personal care product used by consumers, medical professionals, or pharmaceutical providers that is contaminated with potentially infectious body fluid or material. It does not meet the definition of a diagnostic specimen, biological product, or RMW.

A preparation consisting of antigens of a disease-causing organism which, when introduced into the body, stimulates the production of specific antibodies or altered cells. This produces an immunity to the disease-causing organism. The antigen in the preparation can be whole disease-causing organisms (killed or weakened) or parts of these organisms.

The pressure of a vapor in equilibrium with its liquid or solid form.

An insect or other animal which normally transports an infectious agent that constitutes a public health risk.

The provision of information by a State Party to WHO confirming thestatus of an event within the territory or territories of that State Party.

Highly lethal; causing severe illness or death.

Birds that swim and live near water, including ducks, geese, and swans.

The unit within WHO which shall be accessible at all times for communications with the National IHR Focal Point.