Simulation exercise: Avian influenza in Turkey

Dr Mustafa Tufan, Director of Epidemiology and Information Section, General Directorate of Protection and Control (GDPC) of Turkey, informed the OIE that a simulation exercise on avian influenza will be organized by the Ministry of Agriculture an Rural Affairs (MARA) in coordination with the Technical Assistance Information Exchange Instrument (TAIEX) of the European Commission and will take place in Bandirma, Balikesir province from 6 to 9 September 2005.

The aim of this exercise is to test the Turkish Contingency Plan by simulating the occurrence of avian influenza. Forty-one field veterinarians from Bolu, Sakarya and Balikesir provinces will take part to the exercice to be conducted by representatives of the GDPC and TAIEX.

Prior to this exercise, a seminar will be held on 5 and 6 September 2005. Its aims are to have an overview on this disease, to discuss the National Contingency Plan and to present experiences of some EU countries in eradicating avian influenza as well as other preventive public health issues.

Representatives of the poultry sector in Turkey and other related governmental bodies will participate to this seminar.

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