Simulation exercise: Highly pathogenic avian influenza in Turkey-4

Dr Nihat Pakdil, Acting General Director, Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Livestock of Turkey, Ankara, informed the OIE that a joint real-scale highly pathogenic avian influenza simulation exercise will take place in Edirne province, Turkey, from 3 to 7 October 2011.

The aim of this field and table-top simulation exercise is to:

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

The exercise scenario will include spread from several primary outbreaks to some districts of Edirne province. In the Edirne province, the village of Sazhdere with one outbreak; the district of Ke?an with 2 outbreaks as well as the district of Enez with one outbreak will all be considered as infected for the purpose of this exercise.

This field exercise will be preceded 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 of the exercise will take place in a poultry farm in Sazhdere village of Edirne province, on 6 October 2011.

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