Effective veterinary official controls are vital to maintain and improve the standards of animal health and welfare, as well as human health. Trade and economic growth can also benefit from the prevention and control of animal disease incursions. Although globally the major goals of veterinary official controls are similar, the strategies used to achieve them may differ. Dr Rodrigo Nova, Assistant Professor in Veterinary Public Health and Food Safety, School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, explains why it is important to recognise that risks and priorities are varied and countries should analyse them in order to be able to implement the most idoneous intervention strategies that suit their needs and capacities.