29 November 2005

NSW takes part in bird flu simulation exercise

Day one of a three-day exercise to fine-tune the State's response capabilities for avian influenza (or bird flu) is now underway.

The exercise, called Exercise Eleusis, is a national simulation involving Federal and State Governments, relevant government agencies and the agricultural industry. The exercise begins this morning and runs until 1 December.

Minister for Primary Industries, Ian Macdonald, said the exercise includes the hypothetical detection of avian influenza in poultry operations across three states, including NSW.

"It is important for people to remember that Exercise Eleusis is a mock exercise only," Mr Macdonald said.

"Australia continues to be free of the H5N1 strain of avian influenza which has led to the destruction of millions of birds in Asia and some European countries.

"The purpose of Exercise Eleusis is to help enhance Australia's ability to detect, contain and eradicate emergency animal diseases on a national scale.

"In real life, Australia has already successfully eradicated five previous outbreaks of the less virulent H7 strain, including one in Tamworth in 1997.

"Past experience, plus learnings from this week's simulation, will help ensure Australian authorities act quickly and decisively in the unlikely event that avian influenza strikes Australia in the future."

NSW Minister for Health, John Hatzistergos, said the exercise will also help ensure the public health response and the state's hospitals are well prepared.

"This exercise will look at response capabilities, strategies and decision-making processes that our health system would need to engage in the event of a real avian influenza pandemic in humans.

"There is no evidence yet that bird flu has been transmitted between humans, and Exercise Eleusis will support planning and preparation efforts to protect the community and minimise the impact on the health system, should an outbreak ever occur."

Two weeks ago the NSW Premier announced $5.64 million to further advance health planning and preparations for an influenza pandemic. Part of this funding will go to train NSW Health experts, to enhance their skills to respond to any pandemic.

Exercise Eleusis is purely a desktop exercise, and there will be no field activities. It is Australia's second major national pest and disease emergency simulation. Exercise Minotaur was held in 2002, which simulated an outbreak of foot and mouth disease (FMD).

For a range of health information, go online to www.health.nsw.gov.au