Simulation exercise: Foot and mouth disease in Portugal

Prof. Dr Álvaro Mendonça, Director General of Food and Veterinary Services, Ministry of Agriculture and Sea of Portugal, informed the OIE that a simulation exercise on foot and mouth disease (FMD) denominated “Celulex 16” will take place in the Region of Lisbon and Tagus Valley, in Portugal, from 17 to 18 May 2016.

The overall aim of this exercise is to train Veterinary services with the Portuguese Army regarding a hypothetical FMD occurrence. The simulation exercise will take place within military facilities, with the participation of several institutions. The simulation exercise will include table-top and field exercises.

The field activities were designed based on a scenario allowing the practice of emergency response and the roles and functions of the different levels of command in the Veterinary Services and other institutions.

It includes the simulation of biosecurity measures, clinical examination of the animals, sample collection, movement restrictions, epidemiological enquiries, preparing the slaughter of animals and simulation of the disposal of carcasses through burial, cleaning and disinfection.

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