What is classified as an immediately notifiable disease?

A disease that is classified as immediately notifiable is one that is exotic to Canada, meaning it is not typically found within the country. The rationale behind this classification is that such diseases could pose significant risks to animal and public health if introduced. Swift notification is critical for implementing necessary measures to control potential outbreaks and protect both human and animal populations.

In contrast, diseases that are present in every country, common viral infections, or diseases that are easily treated do not typically warrant immediate reporting. They are often more manageable within the existing public health frameworks and do not pose the same level of immediate threat as exotic diseases would. Immediate notification helps ensure that veterinary and public health officials can act quickly to prevent the spread and effectively manage any outbreaks related to diseases that are not ordinarily seen in Canada.