Simulation exercise: Highly pathogenic avian influenza in Turkey-3

Dr Nihat Pakdil, Deputy Undersecretary, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs (MARA) of Turkey informed the OIE that a joint real-scale highly pathogenic avian influenza simulation exercise will be organised by the MARA with the collaboration of the Ministry of Health and Ministry of Forest and Environment. This exercise will be held in Hatay province from 24 to 28 May 2010.

The objectives of this exercise 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.

Key industry stakeholders will be invited to attend the exercise both as observers and players, as appropriate within the context of the simulated outbreak.

The exercise scenario includes spread from several primary outbreaks to five Hatay districts (Antakya, Belen, Iskenderun, Kirikhan and Samandag).

This field exercise will be preceeded by three days of table-top simulation exercise. During this first phase, key staff will be gathered together to examine and discuss simulated emergency situations and attempt to resolve problems based on their emergency plans. These emergency situations range from outbreak suspicion to post-outbreak measures. The practical part will be held in a commercial poultry farm, in Tahtakopru village of Antakya district, Hatay province, on 27 May 2010.

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