Simulation exercise: Foot and mouth disease in Australia-15

Dr Mark Schipp, Chief Veterinary Officer, Department of Agriculture and Water Resources, Canberra, Australia, has informed the OIE that a simulation exercise denominated “Exercise Apollo” will take place in the State of Western Australia from 16 to 20 May 2016.

The simulation exercise will be based on a foot-and-mouth disease scenario, and will involve the Department of Agriculture and Food Western Australia (DAFWA), the National Rapid Response Team (RRT) and participants from Australian livestock industries. The Australian Department of Agriculture and Water Resources and Animal Health Australia will assist with coordination of the exercise.

The overall aim of the exercise is to assess DAFWA’s preparedness for a response during a simulated biosecurity incident. 

Specific objectives are to:

1. Provide participating DAFWA staff with the opportunity to practise emergency response roles and functions and be assessed in a simulated emergency incident response, including key and recently trained staff;
2. Evaluate a new biosecurity information system (MAX) and its operability with other DAFWA systems in a simulated operational emergency environment;
3. Develop, test and evaluate the practicality of a disposal plan for large scale livestock destruction in the south west region of Western Australia, including associated resource and operational plans; and
4. Engage with, practise, integrate and enhance the awareness of key stakeholders including the National Rapid Response Team, local government, other agencies and industry in their roles in a simulated Western Australia emergency incident response.

The exercise will include setting up simulated control and coordination centres in Bunbury, Western Australia.

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