When a transboundary animal disease invades a country or an area that is normally free, it is important to take all measures to eliminate the infection rapidly, before it establishes itself and evolves into a major epidemic. The purpose of this manual is to provide a set of guidelines on when and how to use the stamping out policy as a method of disease control. It is divided into three parts which consider issues surrounding the destruction of animals; disposal; and decontamination procedures. Although this is an established procedure in developed countries, an attempt has been made to take into account the circumstances in developing countries also.