Simulation exercise: Highly pathogenic avian influenza in Turkey

Professor Muzaffer Aydemir, Director General, General Directorate of Protection and Control, 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 assistance of the EU funded Technical Assistance to Avian Influenza Preparedness and Response Project and the collaboration of the Ministry of Health. This exercise will take place in Bolu province from 3 to 7 November 2008.

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 4 Bolu districts

The field exercise will be preceded by three days of table-top simulation exercise. The practical part will be held in a commercial poultry farm, in Göynük district, Bolu province, on 6 November 2008.

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