agricultural emergency response plan template
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AGRICULTURAL EMERGENCY RESPONSE PLAN TEMPLATE Explanatory Notes The following agricultural emergency response plan template is designed to assist countries and territories to develop an agricultural emergency response plan to suit their national needs and situation. Indicative headings, content and layout are included in the template but these can be modified or deleted to suit the individual needs of a country or territory. Similarly it is likely that a country/territory will need to include additional content, charts or diagrams not present in the template. The operational detail of this template (including attachments) is drafted primarily as an emergency animal disease response plan. In developing a comprehensive agriculture emergency response plan (ie. one which covers both animal and plant disease emergencies), each country /territory will need to decide whether it’s needs will be best served by developing a separate emergency plant disease response plan or whether to modify this template to address both animal and plant disease emergencies. For assistance and/or advice in using this agricultural emergency response plan template please contact any of the following persons: Ken Cokanasiga (kenc@spc.int) Andrew Tukana (andrewt@spc.int) David Thomson (davidt@spc.int) Ilagi Puana (ilagip@spc.int) Laurie Fooks (laurief@spc.int) Ian Peebles (ianp@spc.int) SPC would appreciate receiving constructive feedback on how the template may be improved in terms of its content and usefulness as a tool to assist emergency response planning for an agricultural emergency. SPC Animal Health & Production (SPC, Fiji Islands) 2 February 2009 i COOK ISLANDS ANIMAL HEALTH EMERGENCY RESPONSE PLAN (TEMPLATE) (AgERPLAN) Sub-plan of the [insert name of plan eg National Disaster Plan] ii RATIONALE AND AUTHORISATION This Agriculture Emergency Response Plan describes the arrangements in place in the Cook Islands, for the management and coordination of an emergency response to an outbreak of a pest or disease that would have serious consequences on agriculture, food security, public health, environment and/or public amenity if it became established. The Cook Islands are free from many highly contagious animal diseases (such as avian influenza and foot and mouth disease), that can have severe effects on animal health and welfare (eg mass mortalities, clinical disease, loss of production) as well as significant public health consequences when the disease agents are transmissible to humans (eg zoonotic diseases such as rabies, avian influenza, Nipah virus). Similarly the introduction of invasive plant pests and diseases can have serious socio-economic and environmental consequences that place significant constraints on the sustainability of agricultural production systems, reduce food security and diminish community resilience. In addition to serving our national interest, the emergency eradication of incursions of serious pests and diseases from the Cook Islands will also benefit our partner countries and territories in the Pacific Island Region, through the removal of serious biosecurity threats that could potentially spread to their shores. Therefore, emergency eradication, when feasible, will be the primary objective in responding to the detection of an emergency pest or disease in the Cook Islands. This plan highlights that the Ministry of Agriculture is the lead agency responsible for responding to emergency pests and diseases in the Cook Islands. This plan has been developed through consultation with stakeholders across a range of sectors (government, non-government organisations, industry, community) and identifies the agreed roles and responsibilities of key support agencies in the event of a pest or disease emergency. 1 The underlying strategy of this emergency response plan is that immediately following the detection of an outbreak of an emergency pest or disease, an emergency response will be established to: (i) (ii) (iii) (iv) investigate and determine the extent of an outbreak; establish quarantine measures at affected sites to contain the pest or disease; identify the likely source of the outbreak; and assess the feasibility of successful eradication being achieved. The Emergency Response Management Committee – chaired by the Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture, will consider all available information obtained by the emergency response team to evaluate the feasibility of eradicating the pest or disease. Where emergency eradication is considered to be feasible, Emergency Response Management Committee will be responsible for establishing an emergency eradication campaign and for monitoring it’s progress. The legislative basis in the Cook Islands for emergency response measures for pests and diseases of plants and animals (such as quarantine measures, destruction of infected plants or livestock) is provided in the Cook Islands Bio-Security Act 2008. The availability of appropriate arrangements for the replacement of crops, produce and/or livestock that must be destroyed as part of an emergency eradication campaign is an important consideration in facilitating the cooperation of affected communities. Under this plan the Emergency Response Management Committee is responsible for determining whether or not replacement arrangements for crops or livestock should be provided to affected producers, and if so, the nature and level of replacement and the administrative arrangements for implementation. Where national resources are inadequate to address the operational needs of an emergency response, the Cook Islands will notify the Secretariat of the Pacific Community of its need for regional assistance to effectively manage a pest or disease emergency. This plan has been agreed by the Emergency Management Cook Islands and will be reviewed and updated on an ongoing basis as required. 2 RECOMMENDED .............................................................. [insert details of office holder, eg Minister for Agriculture] Dated: ENDORSED ............................................................... [insert details of office holder, eg Prime Minister & Cabinet] Dated: GAZETTED [insert relevant reference] 3 AMENDMENTS The Ministry of Agriculture is responsible for maintaining, updating and distributing amended versions of this animal health emergency response plan to all stakeholders. Proposals for amendments to the contents of this Animal Health Emergency Response Plan are to be forwarded to: Chief Livestock Officer Ministry of Agriculture P.0. Box 96, Rarotonga, Cook Islands. e-mail address: tiria@agriculture.gov.ck or cimoa@oyster.net.ck Version history Date Draft Version 1.1F (2Feb09) TBA DISTRIBUTION This Animal Health Emergency Response plan has been distributed either electronically or in hard copy (as indicated) to the agencies noted in the table below. Organisations and individuals should confirm they have the latest copy by checking the current version at: (website address to be provided) The National Controller will instruct that the following persons be advised as per Cook Islands Police Cyclone Response Standard Operating Procedures. Contact List A Personnel CEO Te Aponga Uira Secretary of Internal Affairs Secretary of Health* Work 20-054 Home 22-867 Mobile Fax 23-944 Email Atimoti@electricity.co.ck 29-370 - 23-608 accounts@intaff.gov.ck 29-664 26-610 55-437 (H. Tupa) 54-303 (T. Faireka) 54-008 (T. Vaea) 55-598 52-917 22-598 secgen@redcross.org.ck disaster@redcross.org.ck 55-885 21-435 carmel.beattie@cookislands.gov.ck 21-163 Secretary General – Cook Islands Red Cross* Ministry of Tourism* 26-598 29-435 29435/ Ext-823 (Nane) 23-598 25-263 55-857 tu.faireka@health.gov.ck nane@cookislands.gov.ck 4 Ministry of Transport Airport Authority CEO NZ High Commissioner* Ports Authority Manager Secretary of Marine Services Secretary of Ministry of Education 28-810 20-908 55-340 28-816 25-890 26-590 55-890 21-890 atairea@transport.gov.ck jngamata@airport.gov.ck 22-201 23-719 A/hrs 21-920 22-204 55-201 J. Affleck N. Ngawati julie.affleck@nzaid.govt.nz nzhcraro@oyster.net.ck 21-352 55-750 21-191 bim.tou@ports.co.ck 28-721 27-590 55-524 29-357 23-828 Radio Station Work Radio Cook Islands/ Cook Islands Television Mix 101.1 Matariki FM 29-460 88 FM 23-101 25-997/ 25-998/9 28-836 KC FM 23-203/ Adventist Radio Contact List B British Consulate* French Consulate 22-852 German Consulate* i.bertram@mmr.gov.ck 28-357 Cook Islands Radio Stations Direct/ Mobile Fax Home 29-464 54-462 21-907 cieducat@oyster.net.ck Email jeannie@oyster.net.ck 25-020 55-998 - william@oyster.net.ck - 55-040-G Dub 55-007- Nick - 88fmradio@gmail.com nick@oyster.co.ck 23-204/ 23-844 kcfm@oyster.net.ck mariana@oyster.net.ck - cassey@eggelton.co.ck 23-744 David Vacant Honorary Consul Cassey Eggelton Vacant 22-424 54-424 5 Personnel Work Aitutaki Atiu Mangaia Mauke Mitiaro Palmerston Penrhyn 31-700/31-987 33-269 34-289 35-200 36-108 Outer Island Secretaries Home/ Mobile Fax Direct 31-114 54-911 31-986 33-369 34-238 35-201 36-157 42-100/42-116 42-146 Pukapuka Nassau Rakahanga Manihiki 41-711 41-712 Email council@aitutaki.net.ck isec@atiu.gov.ck miadmin@mangaia.net.ck misec@oyster.net.ck phoenix@penrhyn.net.ck penadmin@oyster.net.ck T43-606 Tau 43-605 6 TABLE OF CONTENTS EXPLANATORY NOTES .............................................................................................................. I DEFINITIONS .............................................................................................................................. 9 ABBREVIATIONS ..................................................................................................................... 12 1. INTRODUCTION .............................................................................................................. 13 2. AIM ...................................................................................................................................... 14 3. POLICY CONTEXT .......................................................................................................... 14 4. AUTHORITY AND LEGISLATIVE BASIS TO ACT .................................................. 15 5. PHASES OF ACTIVATION ............................................................................................. 15 5.1 5.2 5.3 5.4 5.5 INVESTIGATION PHASE .................................................................................................... 16 ALERT PHASE .................................................................................................................. 16 OPERATIONAL PHASE ..................................................................................................... 16 STAND-DOWN PHASE ..................................................................................................... 20 RECOVERY PHASE........................................................................................................... 22 6. COMMAND AND CONTROL STRUCTURE ............................................................... 23 7. ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES ................................................................................ 24 7.1 INVESTIGATION PHASE ..................................................................................................... 24 7.1.1 Lead Agency ......................................................................................................... 24 7.2 ALERT PHASE................................................................................................................... 24 7.2.1 Lead Agency ......................................................................................................... 24 7.2.2 Support Agencies - Regional ............................................................................... 25 7.3 OPERATIONAL PHASE ....................................................................................................... 25 7.3.1 Lead Agency ......................................................................................................... 25 7.3.2 Emergency Services ............................................................................................. 26 7.3.3 Livestock Industry Associations and Authorities ............................................... 27 7.3.4 Community Organisations and Volunteer Groups ............................................. 27 7.3.5 Secretariat of Pacific Community ....................................................................... 27 7.4 STAND-DOWN PHASE ...................................................................................................... 27 7.4.1 Lead Agency ......................................................................................................... 28 7.4.2 Emergency Services ............................................................................................. 28 7.5 INITIAL RECOVERY PHASE ............................................................................................... 28 7.5.1 Lead Agency ......................................................................................................... 28 7.5.2 Environmental Services ....................................................................................... 29 7.5.3 Welfare Services ................................................................................................... 29 8. COORDINATION OF OPERATIONS............................................................................ 30 8.1 COORDINATION - NATIONAL AND PROVINCIAL................................................................ 30 8.2 OPERATIONAL UNITS ...................................................................................................... 32 8.2.1 Disease Investigation and Tracing Unit ............................................................. 32 7 8.2.2 Restricted Area Movement & Security Unit........................................................ 33 8.2.3 Infected Premises Operations .............................................................................. 34 8.2.4 Planning, Logistics and Communication Unit ................................................... 34 8.2.5 Staffing Strategy ................................................................................................... 35 8.3 COORDINATION – REGIONAL .......................................................................................... 38 9. COMMUNICATIONS ........................................................................................................... 40 10. ADMINISTRATION AND LOGISTICS ........................................................................... 40 10.1 10.2 10.3 10.4 10.5 FINANCE ....................................................................................................................... 40 POLICY FOR REPLACEMENT OF LIVESTOCK.................................................................... 41 LOGISTIC SUPPORT ........................................................................................................ 41 PUBLIC INFORMATION .................................................................................................. 42 TESTING AND REVIEW .................................................................................................. 42 11. APPENDICES ....................................................................................................................... 43 12. REFERENCES ..................................................................................................................... 58 8 DEFINITIONS Agent In this plan, an agent is any micro-organism or other pest that is recognized as the cause of an emergency animal disease. Typically an agent will be highly infectious, readily transmissible between susceptible animals and have significant impacts on the health of infected animals. Animal Health Emergency In this plan, an animal health emergency exists when one or more animals are infected with, or infested by, the causal agent of an emergency animal disease. Emergency Response Management Committee This is the committee that has overall responsibility for management of an animal health emergency and will typically include persons in government departments/agencies who have executive decision making authority. Field Response Operational Groups This is the team that carries out emergency disease control operations when an animal health emergency exists. Its composition may change but it will typically include personnel from the lead agency plus additional personnel from support agencies. Animal Product Any item, material or product of animal origin for which there are legislative provisions that enable it to be subject to quarantine. Area A defined tract of land subject to restrictions under emergency animal disease legislation. Restricted Area (RA): A defined area that surrounds infected and dangerous contact premises, in which stringent conditions apply to the movement of specified animals, animal products, fodder, fittings and vehicles, and to the operation of risk enterprises. Control Area (CA): A defined area that surrounds the RA, in which less stringent conditions apply to the movement of specified animals and animal products and to the operation of risk enterprises. Decontamination Cleaning and disinfection operations designed to eliminate a pest or disease agent. Disease Control Headquarters (DCHQ) The operations centre from which emergency disease control actions are controlled and coordinated, and in which all policy decisions are taken or confirmed. Disposal Sanitary removal of animal carcasses and contaminated materials by burial, burning or some other process to prevent the spread of infection. 9 Emergency Animal Disease A serious disease of animals, (including mammals, birds, fish and bees), that does not normally occur in the Cook Islands. An emergency animal disease may also be one that does occur in the Cook Islands but is limited in its distribution; its detection in animals outside its known (or expected) distribution range would constitute an animal health emergency. Emergency animal diseases are also commonly referred to as trans-boundary animal diseases and examples include foot and mouth disease, classical swine fever, rabies, and Newcastle disease. In this plan the term emergency animal disease also includes disease caused by infestation by pests that cause significant impacts on animal health (eg screw worm fly). Eradication Refers to the elimination of disease and its causative agent, from an affected country or territory. Fittings Means any stall, box cage, enclosure, pen or material used for penning, yarding or the containing of any animal, and includes any equipment, harness, saddlery, rope, bucket, trough, bedding, utensil and implement used in the handling, keeping or storage of animals, animals products or feedstuffs. Head of Agriculture (Animals) The Chief Livestock Officer of Agriculture with prime responsibility for animal disease control within the Cook Islands. Incident In this plan, an incident refers to the suspected occurrence of an animal health emergency. Lead Agency The agency that has primary responsibility for responding to a particular emergency. For an animal health emergency in the Cook Islands it is the Ministry of Agriculture. Local Disease Control Centre (LDCC) The operations centre from which all field operations aimed at containing and eliminating an emergency animal disease from a specific locality are controlled and coordinated. Movement Control Restrictions placed on movement of animals, animal products, feedstuffs, fittings, vehicles or people to prevent spread of disease. Operations In this Plan, operations refer to the activities directed at controlling or eradicating a disease. Premises, property or place Includes land, buildings, yards and other structures where animals are held. 10 Dangerous Contact Premises (DCP): Premises containing animals showing no clinical signs of disease but, due to possible exposure to infection, may be subject to full disease control measures. Infected Premises (IP): Premises in which an emergency animal disease or its infective agent exists or is believed to exist. IPs are subject to full disease control measures. Suspect Premises (SP): Premises containing animals that may have been exposed to an emergency animal disease agent. SPs are quarantined and intensively monitored for a period of time. Provided there is no evidence of infection, SPs may subsequently be released from quarantine. Proof of Freedom Surveillance activities undertaken in accordance with internationally accepted requirements specified by the World Organisation for Animal Health. Quarantine Legal restrictions imposed on a premises or area (by the serving of a notice) that limit movement in or out of specified animals, animal products, feedstuffs, fittings and vehicles. Rehabilitation Process of adjustment to circumstances prevailing after an incursion of an emergency animal disease. Risk Enterprise A livestock or livestock-related enterprise with a high potential for rapid dissemination of an infectious disease agent, eg an abattoir, milk factory, egg grading floor, artificial breeding centre, livestock market or livestock transport. Stamping Out Eradication procedures based on the slaughter of all infected and ‘in-contact’ animals with the aim of eliminating the disease agent of concern. Support Plan A plan detailing the role, type and extent of resources committed, and internal procedures for a supporting agency (agencies). Surveillance A program of investigation designed to establish the presence, extent of, or absence of a specified disease, or the presence, abundance and distribution of specified wild animals. Tracing The process of locating animals, animal products, feedstuffs, fittings and vehicles that may be involved in the spread of disease so that appropriate action can be taken. Wild animals Includes wild animals, rodents and other vertebrate pests. 11 ABBREVIATIONS CA Control Area DCHQ Disease Control Headquarters ERMC Emergency Response Management Committee IP Infected Premises FCP Forward Command Post FROG Field Response Operational Group LDCC Local Disease Control Centre NFA No further action OIE World Organisation for Animal Health PICT Pacific Island Country or Territory PIR Pacific Island Region RA Restricted Area SP Suspect Premises SPC Secretariat of the Pacific Community 12 1. INTRODUCTION 1.1 Background, Hazard Analysis and Impact 101 The Pacific Island nation of the Cook Islands is located in the sub-region of Polynesia. 102 The human population of the Cook Islands is estimated at 12,200 and the national language is Cook Island Maori. Other languages commonly spoken is English and reflect the mixed cultural heritage of residents of the Cook Islands. Livestock sectors are predominantly small-holder based, subsistence farming with livestock population of 49,531 and the number of households that keep livestock are about 3,124. However this numbers does not include the backyard type where a household might have 1 or 2 animals tethered behind the house. Therefore it is safe to say that 90% of the population keeps livestock of some kind. 103 Based on the Esther Honey Foundation 6/2008 Canine Census, there are 1,415 dogs in the Country however the Cats population could not be determined because they are still in the process of counting them. 104 While the island status of the Cook Islands provides considerable protection against the introduction of significant pests and diseases, threats to biosecurity are ever present via commerce-related activities such as; tourism, fishing, smuggling of plants and plant material, importation of foodstuffs and agricultural produce etc. 105 There is also the movement of people from island to island taking animals and plants with them. Yatchies also travel through the Cook Island waters stopping over at some of the scattered islands. 106 Should an outbreak of an emergency animal disease occur, regular inter-island movement of animals such as pigs, poultry and dogs would readily enable the spread of infection to neighbouring islands. In the event, an emergency animal disease such as avian influenza hits the Country there would be a significant adverse socio-economic impact on livelihoods of the people. Their social obligations would be disturbed and will also cause cultural impairments. People may run out of food and Shipping and tourism will be affected. The exchange of different breeds will also be affected. However export may not be affected due to the fact that there is none from the islands 13 2. AIM 201 The aim of this plan is to describe the emergency response arrangements in the Cook Islands to manage an animal health emergency. An animal health emergency exists when one or more animals are infected with, or infested by, the causal agent of an emergency animal disease (see definitions, p.7). A shortlist of emergency animal diseases is attached at Annex 10. NOTE: The arrangements and procedures for an animal health emergency due to an infectious disease could equally be applied to manage an emergency situation due to a non-infectious agent [such as the presence of a toxic contaminant (eg heavy metals, dioxins) in animals that are intended for human consumption]. 3. POLICY CONTEXT 301 In planning for an outbreak of an emergency animal disease in the Cook Islands the objective is to establish animal disease surveillance and response systems that enable early detection, containment and elimination of an emergency animal disease in as short a time as possible until eradication is achieved, taking into account relevant considerations such as resource mobilization, occupational health and safety, animal welfare and replacement of livestock and associated facilities that need to be destroyed during an emergency eradication campaign. 302 This plan recognizes that eradication of an emergency animal disease will generally be of considerable socio-economic benefit when compared with the ongoing consequences that would be borne when such diseases become established including: (i) the need for ongoing disease control measures (eg vaccination, movement controls); (ii) ongoing production losses due to incomplete or ineffective disease control; (iii) illness and/or death of humans associated with zoonotic diseases; (iv) a permanent constraint on livestock production systems as well as inhibiting the development of export trade opportunities (FAO, 1999). 303 Disease control measures such as vaccination may be tactically applied in an animal health emergency to decrease the rate of spread of an agent and/or protect valuable genetic resources (eg breeding stocks) that could not be readily replaced if affected by an emergency animal disease. 304 In circumstances when the eradication of an outbreak of an emergency animal disease is no longer feasible, an emergency response will be discontinued and appropriate disease control measures will be developed to reduce the rate of disease spread and where possible its impacts. 14 305 This plan recognizes that the ability of response agencies to effectively minimize the impacts of an emergency animal disease outbreak on an affected community depends on a number of key elements including: (i) the presence of effective surveillance and disease reporting systems for early disease detection; (ii) the ability to mobilize adequate resources to achieve rapid containment and eradication; (iii) implementation of stringent quarantine procedures at affected sites; and (iv) clear and transparent communication to keep affected communities, stakeholders and the general public informed of developments and to foster ongoing cooperation as circumstances may require. 4. AUTHORITY AND LEGISLATIVE BASIS TO ACT 401 The authority to enact legislative powers for the control of an emergency animal disease is vested in the Minister for Agriculture under the Cook Island Bio Security Act 2008. 402 When the initial investigation of a disease report by a suitably qualified livestock officer indicates that an outbreak of an emergency animal disease is possible and/or likely, the Secretary of Agriculture will exercise his/her judgement to determine the appropriate phase of activation of the Animal Health Emergency Plan. 403 Where emergency control measures (such as the declaration of restricted movement areas) are required, the Secretary of Agriculture is to ensure that the relevant legislative authority is activated. 5.PHASES OF ACTIVATION 501 Under this plan the response to and recovery from an animal health emergency has five phases of action as described below and outlined in Fig. 1 (p. 15) and Fig. 3 (p.19) respectively: 1. Investigation phase 2. Alert phase 3. Operations phase 4. Stand Down phase 5. Recovery phase 15 5.1 Investigation phase 502 The Investigation phase starts whenever there is a report of an unusual animal disease incident which, on first indications, could POSSIBLY BE due to an emergency animal disease. Examples of disease reports that would initiate the Investigation phase are: A sudden death incident in a number of chickens, ducks or other birds (for which a diagnosis of highly pathogenic avian influenza and Newcastle disease must be excluded); Lameness in a number of cloven hoofed (eg cattle, pigs) livestock (for which a diagnosis of foot and mouth disease must be excluded) The Investigation phase involves a situation assessment based on inspection of affected animals, history taking and specimen collection to determine the nature and extent of a possible emergency disease situation 5.2 Alert phase 503 The Alert phase starts when, following initial investigations conducted in the Investigation Phase, the presence of an emergency animal disease in the Cook Islands is considered by the Chief Livestock Officer in collaboration with a Veterinarian from donor Agencies, eg (SPC, NZ etc) to be LIKELY. It is important that PRIORITY is given to: 504 Implementing containment measures at affected sites as soon as possible to minimise the risk of disease spread; and Continuing disease investigations to determine the extent of an incursion (delimiting surveillance), identify a likely source (trace-back investigation), and enable diagnostic confirmation as soon as possible. In the Alert Phase key personnel within the Cook Islands are placed on standby, and Chief Livestock Officer is to notify SPC’s Animal Health and Production Adviser (or delegate) of the situation and consult with relevant specialists for technical and operational advice. 5.3 Operational Phase 505 The Operational phase starts when an animal health emergency is either; confirmed by laboratory diagnostic procedures; OR highly suspected and presumed to exist by the Chief Livestock Officer based on clinical and other supporting evidence (eg confirmation of introduction of infected material from an infected country). 16 INVESTIGATION PHASE Pest or Disease Report Received by Agriculture Office Provided by: Routine surveillance/monitoring Farmer / agricultural adviser Other source – eg villager, community worker, missionary Agriculture Field Services (AFS) investigate report: History taking Inspection of crop, livestock Sample collection & submission o rapid test, post-mortem (if appropriate) AFS evaluates investigation findings: Field evidence, history Test results o rapid test results (if appropriate) o laboratory advice (if available) Specialist technical advice obtained (if available) Head of Agriculture informed of findings Pest or disease emergency LIKELY? NO STAND DOWN PHASE YES Head of Agriculture activates ALERT Phase ALERT PHASE Fig. 1. Key Investigation phase activities and outcomes 17 506 Emergency operations are commenced to contain the spread of disease and achieve its eradication and continue for as long as eradication is deemed to be necessary and feasible. 507 The scale (how many animals and sites affected) and extent (how widespread) of an outbreak of an emergency animal disease, along with knowledge of disease epidemiology, are key determining factors of the resources required for effective management and whether or not an emergency disease is likely to be eradicable; NOTE: Disease outbreaks that are localized in one or two discrete locations are more likely to be eradicable than outbreaks that are widespread and affecting a large number of animals at numerous locations. 508 When an emergency animal disease is either confirmed or highly suspected on a property (or in a village) the location is to be classified as an Infected Premises (IP). Information on the movement of livestock and livestock products to and from an Infected Premises will be used to identify other locations as Dangerous Contact Premises (DCP) or Suspect Premises; 509 Containment measures are implemented at classified premises (IPs, DCPs and SPs) to restrict the movement of animals, animal products, feedstuffs, fittings, animal handling and/or processing equipment as well as the movement of people from and onto these premises . 510 A Restricted Area (RA) is declared to surround all classified premises in any given location and within which strict containment measures are implemented to minimise the risk of disease spread, in accordance with advice from technical specialists. 511 A Control Area (CA) is declared to surround any Restricted Area (RA) to provide a significant disease buffer zone between a disease infected area and unaffected areas (see Fig. 2). NOTE 1: The radius of a Restricted Area and of a Control Area may vary according to disease agent. Typically a RA may have a radius of 3km with a CA having a radius of at least 10km. NOTE 2: Both a Restricted Area and a Control Area need to be established taking into account local infrastructure (eg roads, bridges) and geographic features (eg rivers, dams). It will rarely (if ever) be possible for either the RA or the CA to be ‘symmetrical’ in nature. 18 Control Area (CA) (disease buffer zone) Disease Free Area Restricted Area (RA) Infected premises (IP) Dangerous contact premises (DCP) Suspect premises (SP) Fig. 2. Outline of ‘model’ disease containment system, including premises classification. 19 512 The movement of specified animals, animal products, feedstuffs, animal handling and/or processing equipment and vehicles into, out of and within the RA is restricted and allowed by permit only. Intensive surveillance of livestock is to be conducted in each designated RA and the operations of ‘high-risk’ enterprises (such as markets where animals are sold; farms where susceptible animals are raised; abattoirs where infected products may be stored) are to be strictly controlled. 513 Once the scale and extent of a disease outbreak have been confidently defined, the RA and CA boundaries and movement controls can be modified. 514 Under this plan there are 4 key operational elements to be managed during an animal health emergency response (as shown in Fig. 3.): 515 1. RESTRICTED AREA MOVEMENT and SECURITY – to achieve disease containment; 2. DISEASE INVESTIGATION AND TRACING – to determine the source and extent of a disease incursion; 3. INFECTED PREMISES OPERATIONS – to achieve disease eradication through destruction and disposal of infected and incontact livestock; 4. PLANNING, LOGISTICS and COMMUNICATION – to coordinate and prioritize response activities and the allocation of adequate resources to efficiently address field operational requirements. Guidelines on the operational structure and function, as well as staffing strategy of these operational elements, are provided in Section 8 (Coordination). 5.4 Stand-Down Phase 516 517 The Stand-Down phase commences when: The suspected disease is proven not to exist; The disease is eradicated or otherwise under control; Eradication procedures have failed and the disease is declared to be endemic (established). Where disease eradication is achieved, disease containment operations cease but disease surveillance is enhanced and continued to: Enable early detection of any disease recurrence; and Provide proof of disease freedom 20 ALERT PHASE Head of Agriculture (HOA) : Directs personnel to implement containment measures; Places key personnel on stand-by; Notifies Emergency Response Management Committee; Directs Investigation Leader to prepare a situation report (& consult technical specialists) Pest or disease emergency confirmed? NO Laboratory advice and/or Judgement exercised by HOA OPERATIONS PHASE STAND DOWN PHASE YES RECOVERY PHASE Emergency Response Management Committee (ERMC) Activates field response operations groups Engages National Disaster Council as required Activates Biosecurity legisl’n req’d for emergency operations Develops overall action plan Assesses feasibility of eradication FIELD RESPONSE OPERATIONS GROUPS (FROGS) Containment – Restricted area movement security Surveillance – Disease investigation and tracing Eradication – Infected premises operations Resource coordination - Planning and logistics Emergency pest or disease eradicated ? YES not STAND DOWN PHASE NO eradicable Agriculture Field Services Agriculture Field Services Maintain surveillance to confirm freedom Develop relevant control / ongoing management measures RECOVERY PHASE Fig. 3. Key activities in Alert, Operations and Stand-Down Phases 21 5.5 Recovery Phase 519 Under this plan, Recovery phase activities are aimed at providing initial support to assist affected people, industries and/or communities to become re-established. Recovery starts DURING the operational phase and continues WELL AFTER the completion of the Stand-Down phase. 520 Further action may be needed to assist in the recovery process and as circumstances indicate, monitoring will be conducted to enable any residual health and/or environmental impacts to be identified and addressed. Table 1. Phases of Activation in an Animal Health Emergency 1. Investigation Phase – Commences when report of disease occurrence is received that COULD BE an animal health emergency; 2. Alert Phase – Commences when investigations indicate that an animal health emergency is LIKELY; 3. Operational Phase – Commences when animal health emergency is either: (i) CONFIRMED by laboratory diagnostic procedures or; (ii) HIGHLY SUSPECTED and presumed to exist based on clinical findings and supporting evidence from field investigation (eg history of introduction of livestock/livestock products from an infected country) 4. Stand Down Phase – Commences when any of the following conditions exist: (i) the suspected disease is PROVEN NOT TO BE PRESENT; (ii) the disease is ERADICATED or OTHERWISE UNDER CONTROL; (iii) ERADICATION procedures have failed and the disease is declared to be established (endemic) 5. Recovery Phase – Commences during the OPERATIONAL Phase and finishes well after the Stand Down Phase. Recovery phase activities aim to assist affected persons, communities & sectors to return to normal following an animal health emergency. 22 6. COMMAND AND CONTROL STRUCTURE Under this emergency response plan, the Minister of Agriculture is responsible for declaring an agricultural emergency and the Ministry of Agriculture is the lead agency responsible for management of an agricultural emergency. An Emergency Response Management Committee is responsible for establishing and monitoring the progress of an emergency response. Emergency operational activities will be conducted by the Ministry of Agriculture staff and other support agencies, (eg; Police, Ministry of Health etc.) under the direction of a Field Operations Manager / Management Team, depending on the scale of the emergency (see Fig. 4). PRIME MINISTER & CABINET NATIONAL DISASTER MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE MINISTRY OF FINANCE MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE FINANCE CONTROLLER (EMERGENCY ) (Emergency) EMERGENCY RESPONSE MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE Chairperson Head of Quarantine Technical Specialist Director NDMO Director Health (Infectious Disease) Director Police Director Emergency Services Director Community Welfare Others? [insert others] Operations Manager / Management Team Field Controller (s) Field Response Operations Groups Fig. 4. Outline of Command and Control Structure (Example) 23 7. ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES 701 The overall response to an animal health emergency in the Cook islands is managed by an Emergency Response Management Committee comprising Secretary of Agriculture, Chief Livestock Officer, Head of the Cook Islands Emergency Task Force, Head of Health Emergency Task Force, Police, etc.). The ERMC is to be chaired by Secretary of Agriculture or as otherwise agreed by the ERMC members. 7.1 Investigation phase 7.1.1 Lead Agency 702 As the lead agency responsible for management of an animal health emergency, the Livestock Division of the Ministry of Agriculture on receiving a report that COULD BE an animal health emergency is to: (i) Activate a field investigation to obtain relevant information and enable an informed assessment of the disease situation. Guidelines on relevant information requirements are provided in Annex 1; (ii) Implement quarantine restrictions at affected locations if the investigation findings indicate the presence of an emergency animal disease is likely; (iii)Collect, package, and submit specimens for diagnostic analysis to relevant national, sub-regional and /or regional reference laboratories; (iv) Maintain close contact with the animal/property owner(s) to monitor the health of remaining animals (as appropriate) and keep the owner(s) informed of investigation progress (eg findings from tracing investigations) and developments (eg diagnostic). 7.2 Alert phase 7.2.1 Lead Agency 703 The Chief Livestock Officer is to notify relevant managers and personnel within the Ministry of Agriculture that: a disease investigation is ongoing in which it is LIKELY that an emergency animal disease is present; and to request managers to place personnel on standby to support disease investigation and emergency management activities as may be required. 704 The names, contact details of relevant lead agency personnel and their intended roles in an animal health emergency are provided in Annex 4. 705 The Chief Livestock Officer is to convene the ERMC and provide them with a situation report. ERMC representatives are to nominate liaison officers from participating and supporting organizations (as appropriate) to support DISEASE INVESTIGATION and CONTAINMENT activities. ERMC is to consider the need 24 to establish disease control centres to manage an Operational phase response [eg National Disease Control Centre (NDCC); Local Disease Control Centre (LDCC)] and specifically; Where such control centres are to be located and administrative requirements for control centre establishment and maintenance; and Any legislative powers that need to be enacted to support disease investigation and containment activities. 7.2.2 Support Agencies - Regional 706 The Secretariat of the Pacific Community (Animal Health and Production Group) is to provide the following key supporting roles when it is LIKELY that an animal health emergency is present in [insert name of PICT]: Technical assistance; Liaison with regional and/or international reference laboratories for specific advice on specimen collection and submission; Ensure that import permits are available to enable specimen submission to regional and/or international reference laboratories as required; Liaison with relevant agencies (emergency management, agricultural) in other countries to identify human resources that are available to provide emergency assistance and facilitate their mobilisation as circumstances require. 7.3 Operational phase 7.3.1 Lead Agency As the lead agency responsible for the management of an animal health emergency, the Ministry of Agriculture is responsible for: 707 Ensuring that relevant legislative arrangements for the management of an animal health emergency are enacted/activated as required by the Minister of Agriculture. 708 Convening the ERMC to formally establish emergency FIELD OPERATIONS through activation of FIELD RESPONSE OPERATIONAL GROUPS. The roles and composition of the FIELD RESPONSE OPERATIONAL GROUPS are outlined in Section 8 (Coordination of Operations) and Annex 5 respectively. 709 The ERMC is, in consultation with the FIELD OPERATIONS LEADERS, to develop an emergency management action plan (see Annex 7) that includes consideration of the following items: a. Funding of Operational phase activities; 25 b. Establishment of disease control centres; c. Establishment of quarantine and movement restrictions at affected localities; d. Surveillance and tracing to identify additional infected, dangerous contact and suspect premises (sites); e. Sourcing of maps and other specialized land information (eg suitable sites for disposal of contaminated waste). f. Communications to provide public awareness (local, national and international as appropriate) including media releases; g. Laboratory confirmation of disease diagnosis (if not yet obtained); h. Euthanasia and disposal of livestock at affected sites; i. Decontamination of affected sites (contaminated carcases, animal products, feedstuffs, handling and/or processing equipment, vehicles etc; j. Monitoring and/or regulating the operations of high risk enterprises (eg abattoirs, live markets, ‘wet’ product markets) that could significantly increase disease spread; k. Assessment, valuation (of livestock) and arranging replacement of livestock (eg monetary or via replacement of stock and/or property) for the owners of animals and/or property that are destroyed as part of an Operational phase response; 710 Operational phase activities are to be conducted in accordance with emergency animal disease Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)1 and otherwise as directed by the ERMC. 7.3.2 Emergency Services 1 711 The Emergency Services agency, the Ministry of Agriculture is to assist in identifying suitable locations for the establishment of disease control centres, particularly where a disease control centre is needed at some distance from an urban or provincial centre. 712 The Emergency Services agency, the Ministry of Agriculture may also assist in contacting contractors and other service providers (eg community organizations) to assist with an Operational phase response. A manual of Standard Operating Procedures is to be developed 26 7.3.3 Livestock Industry Associations and Authorities 713 The Livestock Industry Associations and Authorities are to provide the following support as required: a. Advice on livestock handling, equipment and management practices b. Experienced personnel c. Knowledge of transport contractors and/or experienced operators who can assist in transport of carcases and the removal of contaminated waste to disposal sites 7.3.4 Community Organisations and Volunteer Groups 714 Community organisations and volunteer agencies are to provide the following support as required in accordance with the capabilities and expertise of available persons: a. Assist the lead agency as required (eg manning of checkpoints, communicating relevant information to the public, assisting with decontamination operations); b. Assist Police Services in implementing movement restrictions at affected localities. 7.3.5 Secretariat of Pacific Community 715 The Secretariat of the Pacific Community is to provide the following support as required: a. Technical assistance; b. Ongoing liaison with regional and/or international reference laboratories; c. Administrative assistance to facilitate the deployment of suitably qualified personnel from other countries to assist in an Operational phase response; d. Facilitate access to regional stockpiles of pharmaceuticals, protective equipment, chemicals and other items that may be required during an Operational phase response; e. Assistance with disease notification, both within the Pacific Island Region and to OIE. 7.4 Stand-Down phase When an emergency operational response is conducted the ERMC is to monitor and review progress of the emergency response. When ERMC determines that emergency response operations are no longer required it is to direct the Field 27 Operations Manager to commence Stand-Down activities. Stand-Down activities are to be conducted in a planned manner with appropriate consideration given to biosecurity, environment management and ongoing vigilance for disease reoccurrence. 7.4.1 Lead Agency 716 Upon being directed by ERMC to commence Stand Down activities, the Field Operations Manager for , the Ministry of Agriculture is to: a. Direct Operational phase managers that the emergency response is now in Stand-Down phase 717 The Field Operations Manager for the Ministry of Agriculture is to: a. Arrange the ‘stand-down’ from active operations of all participants no longer required; b. Arrange for debriefings to be held for all participants in the Operational phase response and for all participants to be informed of the timing and locations of debriefings; c. Maintain disease surveillance operations; and d. Oversee re-stocking where necessary; and e. Prepare a final report on the animal health emergency and its management. 7.4.2 Emergency Services 718 ‘The Ministry of Agriculture is to provide the following support as required: a. Conduct formal debriefings b. Assist in the preparation of a final report on the animal health emergency and its management c. Participate in formal debriefings 7.5 Initial Recovery phase 7.5.1 Lead Agency 719 ‘The Ministry of Agriculture is to: a. Provide advice to affected livestock owners about available financial assistance, rebuilding, re-equipping, re-stocking and other agricultural advisory services; b. Maintain surveillance to establish ‘proof of freedom’ if appropriate ; c. Arrange for monitoring of waste disposal sites as appropriate; 28 d. Make arrangements for monitoring of community recovery in accordance with the scale of the Operational phase response. 7.5.2 Environmental Services 720 The National Environmental Services [insert agency name] is to provide the following support as required: a. Monitoring of disposal sites (and other sites) as appropriate for environmental degradation and/or contamination 7.5.3 Welfare Services 721 The Welfare Services agencies like Red Cross, NGOs, Punanga Tauturu, etc is to provide the following support as required: a. Welfare support; b. Coordinate community relief and rehabilitation arrangements (including employment related issues) c. Counselling for affected individuals and families. 29 8. COORDINATION OF OPERATIONS 8.1 Coordination - National and Provincial 801 The role of the ERMC (Emergency Response Management Committee), throughout the management of an animal health emergency is to: Determine and provide technical policy direction; Ensure that legislative arrangements necessary (such as gazettal of restricted movement areas) to support field operations are enacted; Liaise with relevant regional support agencies (eg SPC) for resource assistance in situations where local resources are inadequate; Establish a centrally located National Disease Control Centre (NDCC) to direct and coordinate emergency management operations in an affected PICT; Develop and implement a communications strategy, including media communications, to keep both locally affected communities, industry sectors and the general public informed; Enable financial and administrative support for an emergency response; Keep relevant Ministers briefed on progress and, in particular, problems that are hindering operational progress; Notify partner countries and territories within the Pacific Island Region of the occurrence of an animal health emergency and provide regular updates; Notify the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) of the occurrence of an animal health emergency (or seek assistance via SPC to do so) and provide regular updates; Provide clear information for the general public 802 Emergency disease management operations will be conducted by the Field Response Operational Groups under the direction of the Field Operations Manager. The Field Operations Manager is to communicate situation reports for the information of the Emergency Response Management Committee on a regular basis (daily where feasible) to enable informed decision-making by that committee. 803 The role of the Field Response Operational Groups throughout an animal health emergency is to: Establish field control centres as appropriate (eg LDCC) Determine the source of a disease outbreak and define its extent (how widespread) through tracing and surveillance ; 30 Limit the spread of disease by appropriate measures which may include: o Movement controls on livestock, livestock products, feedstuffs, waste materials, equipment and other potential disease vectors; o Regulating the operations of ‘risk’ enterprises (primarily enterprises that hold, transport and/or process large numbers of susceptible animals and/or commodities derived from susceptible animals) o Vaccination of affected and/or ‘at risk’ livestock o Control of feral animals and wild animal vectors 804 Record and conduct valuation of all animals and property destroyed for purposes of restitution (eg monetary or by replacement); Eradicate outbreaks of disease using appropriate techniques [eg destruction of infected animals (and ‘in-contact’ animals] as directed by ERMC, with due consideration to animal welfare; Eliminate all sources of infection through disposal of infected animals and animal products, and decontamination of premises and things (with due consideration to minimising environmental impacts); Mobilise resources including personnel and equipment, in a timely manner to establish and support an emergency response. Perform surveillance to provide disease status information, including for ‘proof of freedom’ purposes in circumstances where eradication is considered to have been achieved; and Maintain effective information recording and flow, to enable the Field Operations Manager to provide timely reports and advice to the Emergency Response Management Committee. The Field Response Operational Groups will, as a situation requires, establish a Local Disease Control Centre (LDCC) as close as is practical to the centre of field operations (ie the locality where an emergency animal disease outbreak has occurred) to enable the efficient management of a disease outbreak; More than one LDCC may be established in situations where a number of disease outbreaks occur at the same time but in different locations (at a significant distance from each other). A Forward Command Post may also be established in situations where field operational requirements are relatively small in scale. 31 8.2 Operational Units 805 The Field Response Operational Groups will, as a situation requires, work in the following discrete units to facilitate efficient completion of specific operational tasks: DISEASE INVESTIGATION and TRACING RESTRICTED AREA and SECURITY INFECTED PREMISES OPERATIONS PLANNING, LOGISTICS and COMMUNICATIONS 8.2.1 Disease Investigation and Tracing Unit 806 The Disease Investigation and Tracing Unit conducts tracing and surveillance in the area controlled by a Local Disease Control Centre (LDCC); its aim is to 807 Identify any infected localities; and Confirm freedom from infection after eradication Key activities of the Disease Investigation and Tracing Unit are to: Interview owner/manager(s) of affected livestock to estimate how long infection is likely to have been present at infected site(s). Identify possible source of infection (traceback investigation) and possible localities to which infection may have been spread (traceforward investigation); Provide clear information to the owners/managers of premises where surveillance is conducted regarding the surveillance findings, premises classification, subsequent quarantine restrictions and any other actions required; Identify and classify premises (ie Dangerous Contact Premises, Suspect Premises) that require inspection based on available disease investigation information, including traceback and traceforward information; Keep the LDCC Manager informed of the numbers of DCPs and SPs that ARE within the Restricted Movement Area (RA) being maintained by the LDCC; Notify the National Disease Control Centre (NDCC) of any: o DCPs or SPs that require inspection and are NOT within the Restricted Movement Area (RA) being maintained by the LDCC; o Tracing information relevant to international movements (either import or export); 32 Conduct surveillance of DCPs and SPs in a timely manner and immediately notify the LDCC Manager of the identification and details of any newly identified Infected Premises (IPs); Schedule revisits of DCPs and/or SPs as appropriate; Notify the LDCC Manager when the classification status of DCPs and/or SPs is revised to NO FURTHER ACTION (NFA) required Maintain a detailed map identifying IPs, DCPs and all other premises in the Restricted Area with susceptible livestock; 8.2.2 Restricted Area Movement & Security Unit 808 The Restricted Area Movement and Security (RAMS) unit is tasked with establishing and maintaining; 809 Control over the movement of animals, animal products, vehicles, other things and people into, within and out of the RA to limit the spread of disease Key activities of the Restricted Area Movement and Security unit are to: Issue movement permits in accordance with legislation, risk assessment and the agreed biosecurity policy (NOTE - this unit may require a separate entrance to an LDCC due to items being brought for inspection); Consult with NDCC operations manager for advice on biosecurity policy (eg when a request outside the existing policy is received); Establish and operate vehicle checkpoints in the RA (as required), including transport authorities, police, local government, industry and the community; Maintain biosecurity in the RA in consultation with the Infected Premises Operations unit, through appropriate containment measures for the management of IPs; Maintain records of all movements in the RA and IPs, permits issued, and details of staff allocated to the RAMS unit; Provide information to the Planning, Logistics and Communications unit on breaches of biosecurity for evaluation and referral to Police Services as appropriate. 33 8.2.3 Infected Premises Operations 810 The Infected Premises Operations (IPO) unit manages all activities on IPs (and DCPs as required) to contain and eradicate infection. Activities are coordinated at the LDCC with field activities conducted on IPs (and DCPs as required) to: Implement containment measures at infected premises to maintain biosecurity and security measures to protect the physical safety of personnel working on infected premises; Undertake initial site assessment_identify hazards and record (photograph, video) the physical condition of the property’s facilities; Consult and engage the owner/manager (as required) in planning valuation, destruction, disposal and decontamination including consideration of wild/stray animals, rodents and invertebrate pest control; Advise the owner/manager on relief, support and recovery arrangements for affected individuals, families and/or communities; Prepare an inventory of susceptible animals and other risk materials for destruction and/or disposal and facilitate valuations for livestock replacement; Schedule and conduct the destruction and disposal of animals and materials as required. Confirm the destruction and disposal of all animals and materials scheduled for destruction and disposal. 8.2.4 Planning, Logistics and Communication Unit 811 Planning, Logistics and Communication (PLC) is a multi-purpose unit suitable for the management of small-scale incursions. For larger scale incursions the various functions may be separated into discrete units. Logistic support includes administrative support for day-to-day requirements of operational personnel such as transport, accommodation and meals. The planning function includes industry, community and local government liaison, situation assessment and reporting, resource planning and facilitating the delivery of relief and recovery arrangements. 812 Key activities of the Planning, Logistics and Communication Unit are to: Provide clear direction on occupational health and safety (OH&S) arrangements for all LDCC personnel and maintain awareness of OH&S issues through liaison with operational managers, team leaders as required; Ensure adequate induction and training is provided for all operational personnel; Make recommendations to the Field Operations Manager on the; o Criteria for Declaration of IPs, DCPs and SPs; 34 o Boundaries of the Restricted Area and the surrounding Control Area Liaise with the Disease Investigation and Tracing unit to determine the source, means, date of introduction, and method of spread of an emergency animal disease as well as identifying localities to which the disease may have spread through movement of infected livestock, produce and/or contaminated equipment; Prepare and provide situation reports for the information of National Disease Control Centre (NDCC), LDCC management and personnel; Monitor situation reports to identify disease trends, evaluate progress, identify and resolve operational problems (eg that may indicate a breakdown in operational biosecurity) during an Operational phase response. Provide local public relations through liaison with industry, community and local government about emergency response progress as well as relief, recovery and support arrangements. Provide administrative support for operational personnel (including meals, accommodation and laundry arrangements). Ensure adequate provision of resources (both human and equipment) in accordance with the scale (no. of animals and premises affected) and extent (how widespread) of an Operational phase response. Arrange security for LDCC facilities and equipment. 8.2.5 Staffing Strategy 813 The staffing requirements of an emergency operational response will be influenced by the scale of an emergency, specifically the number of premises and animals at risk. 814 An outbreak of an emergency animal disease in a commercial enterprise that is situated close to a number of other susceptible commercial enterprises will generally require a considerably greater number of emergency response personnel for the infected premises operations (IPO) unit than would an outbreak in small holdings and/or subsistence farming operations, where there are significantly fewer animals. 815 When the presence of an emergency animal disease is considered to be LIKELY (ie Alert Phase) adequate resources must be mobilised for both disease containment (Restricted Area Movement and Security) and disease surveillance (Disease Investigation and Tracing) activities to: minimize the risk of disease spread; and 35 816 quickly determine the extent of an incursion to enable accurate estimation of the level of resources and likely timeframe required to achieve eradication. Whenever possible each unit should include at least one person with prior training and/or experience for the assigned tasks. Experienced/trained personnel are to provide training for additional recruits in relevant operating procedures as circumstances require: only personnel with prior training should investigate disease and conduct or supervise diagnosis and sample collection; unskilled personnel will generally be used to implement and monitor bio security (eg at checkpoints, infected premises) as training in relevant disinfection procedures and requirements is relatively straightforward ; unskilled personnel can also be readily trained in disposal of infected materials and decontamination of infected premises. in some circumstances unskilled personnel may be suitable for training in euthanasia, particularly in poultry as procedures for humane euthanasia are relatively straightforward. 817 Personnel who work on infected premises are not to visit or work on premises of lesser or unknown disease status (eg DCP, SP) for a minimum period of 48 hours. Such personnel may be transferred to duties in another unit that do not require visiting premises with susceptible livestock, eg Restricted Area Movement and Security. 818 Disease and Tracing unit personnel should include; 819 a veterinarian or paravet trained in the recognition of emergency animal diseases; personnel familiar with handling livestock and trained in biosecurity procedures to minimize the risk of spreading infectious disease agents; a driver, preferably with stock inspector status (or equivalent) and familiar with the local geography, to facilitate locating, entering and quarantining of ‘at risk’ premises. When an emergency animal disease is detected (or suspected) by Disease Investigation and Tracing unit personnel, those personnel are to: remain at the infected premises and initiate emergency biosecurity procedures; interview the livestock owner /manager to identify a possible source of infection (traceback) and possible locations to which infection may have been spread (traceforward); 36 820 821 822 823 notify relevant operational managers of any high risk tracings identified through interview with the livestock owner/manager or other means; maintain emergency biosecurity arrangements until relieved by additional support personnel (eg IPO unit personnel); ensure they do not enter any other premises with susceptible livestock for a minimum period of 48 hours (such personnel may be transferred to duties in another unit, eg Restricted Area Movement and Security) Personnel involved in the destruction of livestock may comprise: veterinarians or paravets trained in animal euthanasia; animal handlers familiar with managing and handling livestock (including industry representatives); trained slaughter personnel; suitably experienced and qualified private contractors. Personnel involved in the disposal of infectious and hazardous waste materials may comprise; environmental services personnel trained to evaluate disposal sites for environmental suitability; emergency services personnel and/or community volunteers; heavy equipment operators (including bobcats, dump trucks and cranes); transport operators trained in biosecurity procedures and requirements; Personnel involved in the disinfection and decontamination of infected premises may comprise: personnel trained in the handling and disposal of hazardous materials (eg HAZMAT); fire brigade services personnel (may be HAZMAT trained); emergency services personnel and/or community volunteers; private contractors given adequate terms of reference; local public works personnel. Personnel involved in implementing Restricted Area Movement and Security activities may include: agriculture, environmental, police services, military personnel, emergency services, fire brigade services, and/or community volunteers; industry representatives; local public works personnel. 37 8.3 Coordination – Regional 824 825 Where human and/or other resources within the Cook Islands are inadequate to effectively manage an animal health emergency, the Chairperson of the Emergency Response Management Committee is to submit a Request for Assistance (see Annex 9) to SPC’s Animal Health and Production Adviser. The Request for Assistance is to: include an estimate of the human resource requirements needed and highlight any particular skills/proficiencies that would be beneficial; highlight any anticipated deficiencies/ inadequacies in equipment, materials and other non-human resource requirements. The regional coordination role of SPC throughout the duration of an animal health emergency is (on an as required basis) to: Provide technical assistance; Liaise with regional and/or international reference laboratories; Facilitate the mobilisation of suitably qualified personnel from other countries to assist in an Operational phase response. Facilitate emergency access to regional stockpiles of pharmaceuticals, protective equipment, chemicals and other items that may be required during an Operational phase response. Provide assistance with disease notification, both within the Pacific Island Region and to OIE 38 NATIONAL DISEASE CONTROL HEADQUARTERS LDCC CONTROLLER Operations Planning, Logistics & Communication - Direction on OH&S - Induction & training - Recommend’n on size & loc’n of RA & CA - Situation reports, assessmt & distribution - Local public relations (relief & recovery arrangemts, other information ) - Admin. support (eg meals, accommod’n, laundry) - Resource planning and requisition - Incident action plans - Security for LDCC facility & equipment. Disease Investigation & Tracing - Interview owners / mgrs Tracing assessments Classify premises Conduct surveillance Inform owners/mgrs of outcome Refer to IPO or reclassify Maintain detailed map of IPs, DCPs, SPs & other premises Restricted Area Movement & Security - Implement RA biosecurity - Issue movement permits - Vehicle checkpoints - Document movements in RA (livestock, equipmt, RAMS personnel) - Liaise with IPO & PAL personnel as req’d Infected Premises Operations - Implement IP biosecurity (and physical security) - Site assessment - Consult & plan with owner (valuation, destruction, disposal & decontamination) - Advise on relief and recovery arrangements - Inventory of animals & eqpmt for destr’n & disposal - Conduct destruction & disposal Forward Command Post - secure storage and office facility for small operations at distance from an LDCC Fig. 6. Outline of operational structure and function in a model Local Disease Control Centre 39 9. COMMUNICATIONS 901 Communications infrastructure and linkages are to be established and maintained to facilitate communication within and between key operating centres, including: 902 between field personnel and an LDCC; between an LDCC and NDCC; and with various national and regional support agencies The NDCC is to develop and implement a communications strategy to keep the locally affected community and general public informed of developments in an emergency response in a timely manner. The NDCC is to liaise with the LDCC to determine the extent and nature of public relations activities that are to be conducted by LDCC personnel and provide support as required. 10. ADMINISTRATION AND LOGISTICS 10.1 Finance 1001 Effective management of an animal health emergency will require funding to cover a range of operational expenses. A lack of adequate funding presents a significant risk of ‘disabling’ an emergency response and preventing the eradication of an emergency animal disease. 1002 Executive Officers in both the lead agency and various support agencies for the management of an animal health emergency are to ensure that contingency arrangements are in place to enable the immediate authorization of funds that may be required in an animal health emergency for: 1003 purchase of emergency supplies and equipment; transport for emergency operations personnel (and equipment); accommodation of emergency operations personnel; catering/meals for emergency operations personnel; contractors/service providers (eg charter of helicopters, machinery hire); establishing and maintaining telecommunications and/or other modes of communication; other miscellaneous expenditure When the duration of emergency operations is such that contingency funding in the Cook islands becomes ‘exhausted’, a technical and operational review of the disease situation is to be undertaken to evaluate the feasibility of eradication and the additional (indicative) budgetary resources that would be required for eradication to be achieved; Where it is determined that continuing emergency operations is likely to succeed in achieving eradication within a reasonable timeframe, a Request for Emergency Assistance (see Annex 9) will be submitted to SPC. 40 1004 SPC will endeavour to source financial support and other resources to enable emergency operations to continue until eradication is achieved. 10.2 Policy for replacement of livestock 1005 Under this plan, arrangements for the replacement of livestock for owners whose stock (and in some cases infrastructure – eg sheds, handling facilities) are destroyed as part of an emergency eradication campaign, is a vital element to promote early disease reporting and cooperation of affected producers and /or communities. 1006 In the absence of formal arrangements for the replacement of livestock (and/or infrastructure) that is destroyed as part of an emergency eradication campaign, the ERMC is responsible for determining; 1007 Whether or not livestock replacement arrangements should be established and implemented for affected owners /producers; and if so; The nature and level of livestock replacement to be provided; The administrative arrangements for implementation of livestock replacement. Livestock replacement arrangements may include ex gratia payments, stock replacement and/or a combination of each. The following principles are to be applied in determining restitution associated with the management of an animal health emergency: No persons to be better or worse off financially due to the reporting of an emergency disease incident; Livestock replacement to be provided in an efficient and prompt manner to affected livestock owners; Provision of livestock replacement to affected owners to be dependent on producer cooperation during an eradication campaign; Animal industry sectors that will benefit from the eradication of an emergency animal disease should contribute to the resourcing of an emergency eradication campaign, including livestock replacement arrangements; Livestock replacement arrangements to be simple and straightforward in both policy and implementation. 10.3 Logistic support 1008 The establishment of control centres to coordinate emergency operations requires considerable administrative support to facilitate planning, implementation, communications, personnel, procurement and inventory management. This requirement for administrative support also extends to emergency operations conducted in remote localities. 41 1009 Adequate numbers of suitably trained administrative personnel are to be mobilised to facilitate the establishment and operation of administrative systems necessary for the efficient management of control centres throughout an animal health emergency. 10.4 Public Information 1010 The Ministry of Agriculture is responsible for providing accurate information about the animal health emergency to the media and public with support from specialist public information services as required. 1011 The Ministry of Health will, in consultation with the Lead Agency, prepare and disseminate relevant information when there are public health implications associated with an incursion by an emergency animal disease. 1012 The coordinated use of all electronic media (radio, television, internet) will be undertaken through the establishment of a Public Information Coordination Centre and/or Joint Media Information Centre as required. 10.5 Testing and Review 1013 The Ministry of Agriculture is to plan for and conduct regular (eg annual) testing exercises to establish, maintain and enhance familiarity of both Ministry of Agriculture and Ministry of Health personnel with emergency management arrangements for an animal health emergency. 1014 Changes in personnel in various agencies can rapidly decrease the accuracy of emergency contact lists as well as the awareness and familiarity within agencies (both lead and support) of emergency management arrangements and procedures. The Ministry of Agriculture is to regularly review (eg quarterly) contact lists with various support agencies and organizations. 1015 This animal health emergency plan of the Cook islands is a ‘living document’ and will be reviewed, modified and updated as required following testing exercises, emergency responses and other relevant advice. 42 11. APPENDICES Annex 1. Outbreak Inspection (Animal Disease) Form #1 Annex 2. Outbreak Inspection (Animal Disease) Form #2 Annex 3. Emergency Eradication Slaughter Report Annex 4. Emergency Contact List (Animal Health& Support Agencies) Annex 5. Field Response Operational Groups (Animal Health) Annex 6. Situation Report Form – Emergency Animal Disease Annex 7. Emergency Action Plan (Template) - Emergency Animal Disease Annex 8. Action Plan Budget – Emergency Animal Disease Annex 9. Request for Emergency Assistance Annex 10.Shortlist of Emergency Animal Diseases 43 Annex 1 (1 of 1) OUTBREAK INSPECTION (ANIMAL DISEASE) FORM #1 1. Visit date …………………….………………... 2. Initial; Repeat visit ……………......................................... 3. Date of Previous visit (if applicable) ……………………………………….. 4. Case no. (or estimate no. of previous cases) ……………………….…... 5. Property identification/name ………………………….… 6. Reason for visit [Notification, Surveillance, Trace, Sentinel, Other] 7. Owner/ Manager Details: a. Name: …………………… b. Phone: …………………………….... c. Mobile: …………… …..... d. Fax: …………....... e. Radio: ………. 8. Address:……………………………………………………………………….. 9. Property location details: a. GPS reference: …………….….. b. Local Govt reference: ……. c. Map no. ……………………….. d. Map reference: ……………. 10. Disease concern, species affected: ………………….………….……............... ……………………………………………………………………………………... 11. Inspection summary At-risk* Inspected Dead Sick Comment * group by age where possible 12. Report summary & provisional diagnosis (*Complete Outbreak Inspection Form #2 if emergency animal disease is suspected ) ……………………………………………………………………………….…… ……………………………………………………………………………………. 13. Quarantine order date (if applicable): ………………………………………... 14. Name of Investigating officer (s): ……………………. Phone (s): …………. 44 Annex 2 (1 of 3) OUTBREAK INSPECTION (ANIMAL DISEASE) FORM #2 Additional Information for Suspect or Infected Premises Case No: 1. History and clinical signs – (include estimate of how long clinical signs have been present) ..................................................................................................................................... ..................................................................................................................................... ..................................................................................................................................... ..................................................................................................................................... 2. Distribution and age of lesions (if relevant) ..................................................................................................................................... ..................................................................................................................................... ..................................................................................................................................... 3. Affected animals - number & species Species No. Dead 4. Tentative Diagnosis No. sick No. in contact Total <P> ositive ; <I> nconclusive 5. Biosecurity Considerations – fences, roads, gates. 6. Valuation considerations a. Facilities (eg shed, holding pens, yards) .................................................... b. Livestock ………………………………………………………………… Species Age Breeder Commercial Non - commercial 45 Annex 2 (2 of 3) 7. Slaughter considerations – species / facilities / special considerations 8. Disposal Considerations – species / labour (owner involvement) – facilities / articles for disposal; – rodent / wild animal control burn – fire control & management; smell; duration. bury – soil type, water table, power, pipelines, equipment. compost – covering; aeration; smell; duration 9. Decontamination Considerations crates / cages/ pens / yards / enclosures / sheds feed / water containers handling equipment / vehicles general environment 10. Recent movements of stock, materials or products from the property Date Item & Quantity Moved by Comment 11. Recent movements of stock, materials or products to the property Date Item & Quantity Moved by Comment 12. Other stock at risk a) Other premises/livestock belonging to owner b) Other premises/livestock belonging to employees/workers c) Adjacent premises 46 Annex 2 (3 of 3) 13. Additional Comments ..................................................................................................................................... ..................................................................................................................................... ..................................................................................................................................... ..................................................................................................................................... Completed by: ............................................................. ................................................... (Name) (Position) ............................................................ .................................................. (Date) (Signature) Local Disease Centre Control (LDCC) Instruction Advice 1. Officer Name and Position ............................................................. ..................................................... (Name) (Position) 2. Slaughter of livestock and destruction of contaminated articles and other infrastructure that cannot readily be decontaminated is hereby authorised: ............................................................ ............../……......./…….......... (Signature) (Date) 3. Infected Premises Manager advised in writing / verbally / both on: …../.../…... (circle as appropriate) (Date) 4. Data entered by: ................................. (Name) ......./......../.......... …………… (Date) (Time) 47 Annex 3 (1 of 1) EMERGENCY ERADICATION – SLAUGHTER REPORT IP/DCP No:………….….. Case No. …………………… Owner:…………………………………… …………… Phone No:…………….. Premises Address: …………………………………. Property No:……..………. Slaughter Commenced on: ……….../……/……. Time………………. Slaughter Completed on: ……...…../……./……. Time…………….… Stock details: Species No. slaughtered today No. with lesions No. examined (if not all) No. awaiting slaughter Poultry …………… ………… …………… …………… Pigs …………… ………… …………… …………… Cattle - Bulls …………… ………… …………… …………… - Cows …………… ………… …………… …………… - Other …………… ………… …………… …………… Goats Sheep Other Description of lesions and age: …………………………………………………… Was valuation completed before slaughter: <Y>es, <N>o:………. Name of Valuer:…………… Comments:………………………………………………………………………………………… Brief details of slaughter arrangement ….………………………………………….. Comments:………………………………………………………………………… Officer’s name and designation:…………………………………………………… Date……/…../….. Time……….... <O>riginal, <R>elayed report:… <R>elayed report taken by …Entered…./…/….. 48 Annex 4 (1 of 1) EMERGENCY CONTACT LIST (Animal Health & Support Agencies) Contact Details for Lead Agency Personnel Name Agency Phone Numbers Email Contact Details for Support Agency Personnel 49 Annex 5 (1 of 1) FIELD RESPONSE OPERATIONS GROUP (Animal Health) Name Agency Phone Numbers Email 50 Annex 6 (1 of 3) Situation Report Form – Emergency Animal Disease 1. Overview – [Nature of incident; species & (estimated) no. of animals affected] [Type of animals affected; domesticated/wild animals] [Type of holdings affected; smallholder/commercial (free-range; intensive)] …………………….……..……………………………………………… …………………………………………………………………………… …………………………………………………………………………… …………………………………………………………………………… 2. Distribution – [No. of localities affected (eg districts, provinces)?] [No. of affected sites in each location?] …………………………………………………………………………… …………………………………………………………………………… …………………………………………………………………………… …………………………………………………………………………… 3. Duration – [How long (estimate) has the infection/syndrome been present?] ………………………………………………………………..................... ………………………………………………………………..................... ………………………………………………………………..................... …………………………………………………………………………… 4. Source – [Has a source been identified? If not, outline the efforts made &/or ongoing efforts to identify a source?] …….……………………………………………………………………… …………………………………………………………………………… …………………………………………………………………………… …………………………………………………………………………… 5. Diagnostics – [What diagnostic results are available (or in progress)?] …….……………………………………………………………………… …………………………………………………………………………… …………………………………………………………………………… …………………………………………………………………………… 51 Annex 6 (2 of 3) Situation Report Form – Emergency Animal Disease (cont’d) 6. Actions taken to date [for eg: incident management group formed; action plan developed; resources allocated; emergency actions commenced (eg containment, surveillance, destruction, disposal, decontamination); public awareness, media liaison; disease reporting] ..................................................................................................................................... ..................................................................................................................................... ..................................................................................................................................... ..................................................................................................................................... ..................................................................................................................................... ..................................................................................................................................... ..................................................................................................................................... ..................................................................................................................................... ………………………………………………………………………………………. ………………………………………………………………………………………. 7. Proposed priority actions [for eg: continue containment & surveillance pending diagnostic advice; prepare advice to establish/gazette restricted movement areas; meeting with affected producers, village chiefs, community reps; seek technical and/or resource assistance from support agencies] ..................................................................................................................................... ..................................................................................................................................... ..................................................................................................................................... ..................................................................................................................................... ..................................................................................................................................... ..................................................................................................................................... ..................................................................................................................................... ..................................................................................................................................... ..................................................................................................................................... ..................................................................................................................................... 52 Annex 6 (3 of 3) Situation Report Form – Emergency Animal Disease (cont’d) 8. Considerations on eradicability ..................................................................................................................................... ..................................................................................................................................... ..................................................................................................................................... ..................................................................................................................................... ..................................................................................................................................... ..................................................................................................................................... ..................................................................................................................................... ..................................................................................................................................... ..................................................................................................................................... ..................................................................................................................................... ..................................................................................................................................... ..................................................................................................................................... END Annex 6 53 Annex 7 (1 of 1) Emergency Management Action Plan (Template) (Indicative headings only, add others as required) 1. Funding of Emergency Operations 2. Establishment of Disease Control Centres national disease control centre, local disease control centre 3. Surveillance and Tracing (to identify other affected locations) 4. Information management (including maps) records of disease reports (paper-based; electronic?); records of disease report investigations (paper-based; electronic?); records of affected localities – (paper-based; electronic?); situation reporting and updates (frequency?) visual aids (eg maps) 5. Communications 6. Laboratory confirmation of disease outbreak 7. national; regional , OIE reference lab? Destruction and disposal of livestock at affected sites 8. between and within control centres; between field staff and control centres; media liaison; and community and public awareness methods, SOPs Decontamination of affected sites carcasses, products, feedstuffs, handling equipmt., vehicles etc. site inspection schedule to confirm decontamination 9. Regulation of activities of high-risk enterprises 10. abattoirs, live markets, fresh product (‘wet’) markets Valuation and replacement arrangements for livestock (and facilities) that are destroyed. 54 Annex 8 (1 of 2) ACTION PLAN BUDGET – EMERGENCY ANIMAL DISEASE Funding Requirements: Operating Period from ................ to .............. Item Accommodation hotel/ other Catering Quantity Cost (estimate) Communications telecommunications other (eg radio) advertisements Contractors/ service providers eg machinery hire Control Centre telecommunications electricity security venue hire display boards, whiteboards maps Emergency supplies eg disinfectant equipmt for animal destruction protective clothing 55 Annex 8 (2 of 2) Funding Requirements (cont’d) Item Quantity plastic boxes eg 50l(for transport of equipmt), also as portable footbath plastic scrubbing brushes tarpaulins, ground sheets tent (portable ‘changing’ room) water containers (eg 20l) buckets plastic backpacks (eg 15l) for decontamination Transport airfares bus fare vehicle hire vessel costs other Cost (estimate) 56 Annex 9 (1 of 1) REQUEST FOR EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE FOR URGENT ATTENTION: SPC Animal Health & Production Adviser c/o SPC 3 Luke St ., Nabua , FIJI ISLANDS Fax: (679) 337 0021 1. Country / Territory : ……………………………………….…………………………… 2. Name of Requesting Person: …………………………..……………………………… Designation: …………………………………..………………………………… Contact Details: ………………………………………………………………… 3. Nature of emergency assistance requested: Technical assistance (provide details) ……………………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………………… Emergency resources/ equipment/ other (provide details) ……………………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………………… END Annex 8 57 Annex 10 (1 of 1) SHORTLIST OF EMERGENCY ANIMAL DISEASES Disease Disease agent Animals affected African swine fever Iridoviridae virus pigs anthrax Bacillus anthracis ruminants, pigs, equines avian influenza (highly pathogenic) Orthomyxoviridae virus birds (mammals*) classical swine fever Flaviviridae virus pigs Picornaviridae virus ruminants, pigs Newcastle disease Paramyxoviridae virus birds porcine respiratory and reproductive syndrome Togaviridae virus pigs rabies Rhabdoviridae virus warm- blooded animals foot and mouth disease 12. REFERENCES Animal Health Australia (2005). Management manual: Control centres management Part 2: Role descriptions (Version 3.0). Australian Veterinary Emergency Plan (AUSVETPLAN), Edition 3, Primary Industries Ministerial Council, Canberra, ACT, Australia. Food and Agriculture Organisation (1999). FAO Animal Health Manuals, No. 6. Manual on the preparation of National Animal Disease Emergency Preparedness Plans. Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, Viale delle Terme di Caracalla, 00100 Rome, Italy. 58
