Guyana Simulation Exercise 2018
Dr Mariano Bonet
Photo Courtesy: dpi.gov.gy
The Guyana Livestock Development Authority (GLDA) in collaboration with PAHO/WHO is hosting a Foot and Mouth Simulation exercise in the Barima-Waini, Region 1, Guyana, an area with a population of residents and a significant livestock (cattle and sheep)population with some swine and poultry.
The Simulation Exercise will serve to test the GLDA's ability to respond effectively to a disease incursion and to provide information for the update of the 2nd edition of Guyana's National Animal Disease Preparedness Plan, first written in the 1990's by testing its applicability.
Day 1 of the 2 day event addressed the Epidemiology, Pathology, Control and Management of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD); the structure and components of Guyana's Emergency Manual and the capability of the Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory.
The technical Team of GLDA supported by administrative staff of the GLDA and region 1; technical officers from other support institutions, national observers and international evaluators from PAHO-WHO , IICA and GSA will participate in the scheduled FMD simulation exercise on Saturday, Day 2 . The two day event will be analysed before personnel depart for Georgetown on Sunday morning.
It is expected that the two day activity would achieve its stated objectives and will provide the requisite capacity building opportunity for GLDA staff.
This event is timely given the reported increased illegal movement of people and animals across the Guyana-Venezuela and Guyana-Brazil borders and the threat of disease emergency and possible disaster given these porous borders.
More information:
Dr. Maxine Parris-Aaron, Agricultural Health Specialist.