A new guide from the European Center for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) helps countries in Europe translate lessons from public health emergencies into enhanced preparedness and response.[2] The manual provides detailed guidance on the design and implementation of controls during and after an activity.[2] It contains 14 scenarios based on various epidemiological and virological factors.[2] For each scenario, it suggests appropriate measures at levels ranging from field interventions to research.[2] The aim is to prepare Europe for a potential outbreak of an avian or swine flu pandemic in connection with the unprecedented number of bird flu outbreaks in animals.[2] It emphasizes the importance of timely, coordinated and effective measures in the field of public health.[2] Close cooperation between veterinary services, agriculture and the public health sector is key to early detection and containment of threats.[2]