SIMULATION EXERCISE

 

Communications Advisory

 

TRIPARTITE EXERCISE 2000

FOREIGN ANIMAL DISEASE RESPONSE SIMULATION

 

 

On November 6-9, 2000, Canada, the United States and Mexico are conducting a

simulated “outbreak” of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) for the purpose of emergency planning.

                                               

IMPORTANT:

THERE IS NO OUTBREAK OF FMD IN CANADA

THIS IS A SIMULATION EXERCISE

 

This advisory informs trading partners, governments, industry and the public in advance that this is a foreign animal disease response  SIMULATION EXERCISE.  Simulations will occur in Ontario, Alberta, Texas, U.S.A, and Tamaulipas, Mexico. 

 

This exercise builds on our current emergency response infrastructure and the development of similar contingency plans for other foreign animal diseases.   What is learned from this exercise will prepare the Agency and its partners to respond even more effectively in the event of a real disease outbreak.  Canadian and international evaluators will oversee the simulation, and a summary of their findings will be made available following the exercise.

 

This exercise is the first of its kind and provides all three countries with a unique opportunity to apply their individual and collective emergency response plans.  FMD was chosen because part of the simulation involves mobilizing the North American FMD Vaccine Bank of which all three countries are contributing members. 

 

Partners and participants in this exercise include:

 

Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)

Direccíon General de Salud Animal, Comisíon Nacional de Sanidad Agropecuaria (SAGAR)

Animal Products Directorate, Laboratories Directorate, Policy, Planning and Coordination Directorate,

Centre for Policy and Epidemiology, National Centre for Foreign Animal Disease, CFIA

CFIA Area Network Offices (Programs and Operations) in Alberta and Ontario

Provincial Ministries of Agriculture

Canadian Cattlemen’s Association, Canadian Pork Council, Canadian Dairy Breeds

Emergency Measures Ontario, Emergency Preparedness Canada

 

Information on the simulation exercise will be available under HOT TOPICS on CFIA’s Website:  www.cfia‑acia.agr.ca/.     Also available on USDA’s APHIS Website: www.aphis.usda.gov/

 

 

Confirmation that a simulation exercise is underway is also available by calling 1-800-442-2342.

 

 

                                                                                                                                               

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