The authors propose standard definitions for terms and concepts commonly used in agricultural risk analysis. The differences between risk analysis and risk assessment are explained, and the relationship of these two terms with the more familiar terms "epidemiology" and "biostatistics" is discussed. The authors stress the importance of differentiating words and phrases which share similar sounds but are subtly different, and the necessity of developing a common nomenclature in agricultural risk analysis. An opportunity is provided for readers to comment on the definitions presented.

NAFTA and GATT have specified that we must base import decisions on sound scientific information. This includes the use of risk assessment procedures to justify excluding or restricting the international movement of either live animals or products from animals. Procedures and techniques have been described for calculating the risk of almost any hazard that one can imagine. Of particular concern to animal health professionals are the risks associated with introducing known or unknown disease agents into a population of animals that has been previously free of a specific disease. Traditional risk assessment procedures calculate the probability that a disease agent transmission will occur and the cost of such an event. The responsible manager must decide on an acceptable threshold of risk. A set of criteria for determining what risk is acceptable has been developed that categorizes risks for importing animals or animal products from any region of the world based on classification of the region as negligible, slight, low, moderate, high, or unknown risk.

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