Simulation exercise: Highly pathogenic avian influenza in Zambia

Dr M.P.C. Mangany, Deputy Director, Department of Research and Specialist Services of the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives of Zambia informed the OIE that a field simulation exercise on Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) will take place in Chibombo district (Central Province) from 29 to 30 September 2009.

The exercise will be carried out by the members of the National Task Force on Avian and Human Influenza and Central Province Rapid Response Team. Cooperating partners, UN agencies and neighbouring countries have been invited as observers.

It is being facilitated by ECTAD(1)-FAO, Gaborone regional Project on HPAI with support from the USAID(2).

This simulation exercise will help the country and the region as a whole test its preparedness against an incursion of HPAI and indeed the current surge of the H1N1 Pandemic Influenza preparedness.

(1) ECTAD: Emergency Centre for Transboundary Animal Diseases
(2) USAID: United States Agency for International Development

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