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The article examines the introduction of pathogenic parasites Echinococcus multilocularis via importation of European beavers. It notes that the parasites are present in Central Europe that caused alveolar echinococcosis in humans and various intermediate hosts. It states that the risk of the parasites has been assessed following the risk assessment framework and definitions of qualitative risks issued by the Office International des Epizooties (OIE) as part of their approach to policy advice.

The article reports on the implications of the risk assessment initiated by the British government in response to the growing threat of bovine spongiform encephalopathy and foot-and-mouth disease. Risk assessment is recognized by the World Organization for Animal Health as a transparent and scientific method for determining the risk of undesirable events. Thus, it has been utilized by the British government to control the risk of rabies coming to the country from North America.