Simulation exercise: Avian diseases in Honduras

Doctor José Heriberto Amador Salinas, Director of SENASA (National Service for Agriculture and Livestock), Honduras, informed the OIE that a simulation exercise on avian diseases is taking place from 5 to 9 November 2012 in the city of Santa Rosa de Copán, Copán Department.

Geographical area of the outbreak: Ocotepeque, Copán and Lempira Departments, areas bordering the Republics of El Salvador and Guatemala.

The aim of this simulation exercise is to strengthen the capabilities of the Veterinary Services of Honduras to react in a rapid and effective manner facing the occurrence of an exotic disease outbreak (Newcastle disease and avian influenza in the country).

The specific objectives:

1. Strengthen the technical capability of tracing back and tracing forward an outbreak.
2. Review and update the Emergency Plan.
3. Simulate a disease outbreak in a bordering area of the country and identify the actions and additional activities related to this type of outbreak that can cross the country’s borders.
4. Extend the capabilities of the community leaders of the early-warning system of the country on the importance of notification or rapid reporting of health concern for birds.

Veterinarians, microbiologists, engineers and technical assistants of SENASA, OIRSA(1), FEDAVIH(2) as well as community leaders will participate in this exercise.

(1) OIRSA: International Regional Organization for Plant Protection and Animal Health
(2) FEDAVIH: Federation of poultry farmers of Honduras.

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Animal Health Information Department
World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE)
[email protected]