Which action should you avoid when educating your clients and the public during an FMD outbreak?

• A. Providing current and consistent information
• B. Staying calm
• C. Providing a FAQ sheet
• D. Telling the public your speculations

Answer: (D)

During an FMD outbreak, avoid presenting speculation as fact. Speculating can spread rumors, cause confusion, and undermine trust in official guidance when new information emerges. Instead, focus on sharing current, verified information from veterinary authorities, keep your messaging calm to prevent panic, and provide practical resources like a clear FAQ sheet that explains what is known, what isn’t yet clear, and where to find updates. If a question cannot be answered yet, acknowledge the uncertainty and commit to providing an update as soon as reliable information becomes available. Providing current information, staying composed, and offering organized resources are all effective ways to educate clients and the public, while guessing about unknowns should be avoided.