Risks, hazards, harm and risk analysis: a brief introductory overview for veterinarians

Abstract

Risk is a probability that an unfavorable event or harm (e.g., illness) will occur due to exposure to a hazard. Hazard is the agent or factor that brings about harm. It may be a pathogenic agent, a characteristic of an individual or of the herd, or some extrinsic factors (e.g., the environment) that causes or increases the likelihood of harm. Harm may be an unfavorable health eventuality or a dire consequence that is caused by specific hazards and risks. When we consider these three interwoven concepts, we get Risk Analysis. Risk analysis has several interconnected components: Hazard Identification, Risk Assessment, Risk Management and Risk Communication. Risk analysis, as a framework of assessing the likelihood, causes and consequences of unwanted health related phenomenon, is very important in discussing zoonotic infectious diseases (e.g., Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy and Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza), laboratory biosecurity and biorisk management and disease prioritization. At the core of this principle and framework is the aim of limiting the occurrence of a harmful consequence while keeping in mind the benefits of the planned and implemented management efforts. The aim of this article is to succinctly introduce risk analysis as a framework, its components, and its application in veterinary science and medicine.