Preparedness and response plan for avian influenza: Field training exercise in PhangNga province from 2008 to 2013

Abstract

Field training exercise was to develop preparedness and response plan for an outbreak of avian influenza in PhangNga province, which was a part of monitoring and evaluation. The objective was to evaluate the field training exercises conducted from 2008 to 2013 to know the best practice of cooperative agreements among multi - sectoral units and strengthening human capacities to response for the outbreak, if occurred. Collecting outputs and patterns of the field training exercise in each district was a methodology for this study. The scenarios were conducted in each district without any notification to local officers in the districts. Activities between the sectors and field practices of medical doctors, nurses, veterinarians, etc. were observed and monitored that were followed by a guideline of prevention and control in human and animals for Avian influenza. A great accomplishment of the field training exercise included 1) system commander and monitoring system 2) surveillance and investigation practices, and risk assessments in human and animals 3) improvement of skills and experiences in control of the movement of animals and destroy dead animal through public relations and education to communities. The weak point that need to be improved of the field training exercise included 1) interruption of communication devices 2) clinical management such as disinfecting ambulance and practices for disinfecting and cleaning equipment. The outputs from the field training exercise were developed as flow charts of surveillance, prevention and control procedures for human and animals in district level of PhangNga province. With activities from the field training exercise, it could build a strong relationship among multi - sectoral sectors, especially in health and livestock sectors, to prepare and response further zoonoses in the areas.