Simulation exercise: Highly pathogenic avian influenza in Turkey

Dr Nihat Pakdil, Deputy Undersecretary, General Directorate of Food and Control, Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Livestock of Turkey, informed the OIE that a joint real-scale simulation exercise on highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) will take place in Afyonkarahisar (Afyon) Province from 30 September to 4 October 2013.

The overall aim of this exercise is to maintain the HPAI response skills of the Turkish veterinary services within the context of a simulated outbreak.

The specific objectives are to:

•  test the Avian Influenza Contingency Plan and train staff on its implementation;
•  test operational response arrangements;
•  examine the liaison and interdependencies between the key operational partners; and
•  consider the impact of the disease as a zoonotic infection.

The simulation exercise comprises a scenario with various cases involving wild birds, backyard poultry and a commercial poultry farm in Bolvadin, Dinar and Sinanpasa districts of Afyonkarahisar  Province.

The field exercise will be held in Burhaniye village where there are poultry farms and backyard poultry on 3 October 2013.

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Animal Health Information Department
World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE)
information.dept@oie.int