Simulation exercise: Highly pathogenic avian influenza in Australia-3

Dr Mark Schipp, Chief Veterinary Officer, Department of Agriculture and Water Resources, Canberra, Australia, informed the OIE that a simulation exercise on highly pathogenic avian influenza, Exercise ICARUS, will take place in Victoria from 19 to 29 April 2017. Exercise ICARUS aims to assess and improve the capability of Agriculture Victoria animal health and welfare staff to effectively, humanely and safely respond to an outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza.

The objectives for the exercise are to:

•  assess on-farm decision making skills,
•  assess current procedures for the safe and humane handling of livestock on farms infected with exotic disease,
•  strengthen and develop skills required for the safe and humane euthanasia and disposal of poultry, and
•  identify gaps in policy, procedures and training that will need to be addressed to improve preparedness.

The exercise will be a functional exercise that will provide staff with the opportunity to strengthen and develop skills for planning and implementing infected premises operations.

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