Simulation exercise: Highly pathogenic avian influenza in Singapore-6

Dr Siang Thai Chew, Director General and Chief Veterinary Officer, Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority (AVA) of Singapore, informed the OIE that his country is free from highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) and it will test its emergency preparedness to respond to a HPAI outbreak through a simulation exercise named “EX Gallus VI” which is taking place in Singapore on 22 March 2012.

“EX Gallus VI” will test the AVA crisis management in dealing with HPAI detected in poultry.

Specifically, the objectives of the exercise “EX Gallus VI” are the following:

– test the activation and response time of AVA’s Crisis Management Command;
– test the effectiveness of outfitting large numbers of persons with appropriate personal    protection for rapid deployment during an operation;
– test the surveillance measures which would be undertaken in an unaffected poultry farm;
– test the process of personnel decontamination.

“EX Gallus VI” will be conducted at designated sites identified for handling an outbreak of HPAI in a local poultry farm.

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