Simulation exercise: Highly pathogenic avian influenza in Singapore

Dr Chua Sin Bin, Chief Veterinary Officer, Agri-food and Veterinary Authority (AVA) of Singapore, informed the OIE that his country is free of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) and that it will test its emergency preparedness to respond to an outbreak of HPAI through a simulation exercise to be conducted on 23 September 2002.

"Exercise Gallus" will test the AVA’s crisis management framework and standard operating procedures for its Emergency Operation Plan (EOP) to manage an incursion of HPAI.

Specifically, this exercise will evaluate the adequacy of the framework in terms of:

– Ministry of National Development (NDHQ) and AVA’s ability to resolve policy issues and set directions under a crisis situation;
– the management of communication and information within NDHQ and AVA, and to the public and media.

“Exercise Gallus” is a desk-top exercise and will not involve field operations, such as movement restrictions and communication with other countries although a simulation of these activities will form part of the exercise undertaken by the participants. This simulation will occur on paper only.

Singapore has always been free of HPAI

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