MIL OSI Translation. Region: Italy –
Source: Switzerland – Canton Government of Grisons in Italian
The Canton of Graubünden and the Canton of Glarus tested the effectiveness of crisis scenarios by simulating the outbreak of a regional epizootic. To this end, between April 8 and 12, 2024, the Bureau of Food Safety and Animal Health (USDA), the Office of Military and Civil Defense (UMPC) and the Major Division of Military Affairs and civil protection of the Canton of Glarus simulated the outbreak of avian influenza outbreaks in three poultry farms in the municipalities of Untervaz, Cazis and Albula.
The main objectives of the intervention were the verification of resources in terms of material and personnel, collaboration with various civil protection organizations and population protection partners as well as limiting damage to a minimum through rapid and correct action.
It was noted with satisfaction that all participants proved ready for their tasks and that the exercise could be carried out successfully. Characterized by speed and efficiency, the exercise was carried out in a realistic manner in all its aspects, as part of a team effort between authorities, civil protection, the company responsible for disposal, private partners and animal keepers. It emerged once again that the knowledge gained from an exercise is very valuable and important for future interventions.
Epizootics fraught with consequences Avian influenza is one of the epizootics most fraught with consequences on a global level. The damage is not limited to animals and agriculture, but goes far beyond. People who live in close contact with sick poultry may become ill themselves.
Over the last three years, several thousand cases of avian influenza have been recorded among wild birds in Europe. Switzerland is also regularly affected. The virus has changed its characteristics: more and more poultry and bird species are being infected by it. The risk of importation into Switzerland is particularly high in winter, as migratory birds from north-eastern Europe come here to spend the winter. All bird species are affected, especially chickens and turkeys. Infected farm animals usually show clear symptoms of illness. Waterfowl, such as ducks and geese, rarely get sick and if they do get sick it is less serious.
Reaction time and experience: the key to success The earlier a highly infectious epizootic is identified, the more targeted measures can be taken to minimize or even prevent its spread. In the event of a real emergency, a decisive role is played by the farmer’s observation of the animals, the correct behavior of the veterinarian and the control of the traffic of people and animals. The Office for Food Safety and Animal Health (USDA) and the civil protection organizations of the two cantons of Graubünden and Glarus are therefore carrying out exercises to ensure they are ready in the event of an emergency.
Collaboration as a pillar of the fight against epizootics. USDA official veterinarians are trained to detect the presence of highly infectious epizootics and are equipped with specific equipment. They examine the animals, take samples to confirm the diagnosis, reconstruct the movements of the animals and order measures to seize the farms in question.
The epizootic pioneers of the cantonal civil protection organizations of Graubünden and Glarus implement the seizure measures on site, monitor them, support the USDA in killing and eliminating infected animals and clean and disinfect the premises and the surfaces within the area subjected to seizure. For the pioneers involved in the fight against epizootics, the intervention represents a very heavy physical and psychological burden.
Photos:
Further photographs: https://pcloud.gr.ch/s/KpB667oq7KmgeDg
Contact persons:
Dr. Giochen Bearth, head of department and cantonal veterinarian, Office for Food Safety and Animal Health, tel. 41 81 257 24 11 (reachable between 1pm and 2.30pm), e-mailGiochen.Bearth@alt.gr.ch
Pascal Porchet, head of service, Grisons Military and Civil Protection Office, tel. 41 81 257 35 22 (reachable between 08:00 and 17:00), e-mailPascal.Porchet@amz.gr.ch
Thomas Gabathuler, Head of the Main Division Military Affairs and Civil Protection of the Canton of Glarus, tel. 41 55 646 68 55, e-mailThomas.Gabathuler@gl.ch
Competent body: Office for Food Safety and Animal Health
EDITOR’S NOTE: This article is a translation. Apologies should the grammar and/or sentence structure not be perfect.
