Simulation exercise: Foot and mouth disease in New Zealand-3

Dr Barry O’neil, Assistant Director General, Biosecurity Authority, New Zealand Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (MAF), Wellington, informed the OIE that a simulation exercise on foot and mouth disease (FMD), named “Taurus 2012” is taking place in New Zealand, from 19 to 23 March 2012.

The global aim of this simulation exercise is to practice the whole of government response to an FMD outbreak.

The specific objectives of this exercise are the following:

•  Focus upon the whole of government leadership and coordination
•  Exercise
     – the New Zealand Government’s Domestic and External Coordination System;
     – MAF’s response management and planning and intelligence functions;
     – MAF’s communications and interdepartmental liaison.

 Field activities and the activities of supporting agencies will be simulated.

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