The Guyana Livestock Development Authority (GLDA) on Wednesday conducted another simulated outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), commonly known as ‘bird flu’, at the Agricultural Extension Center in Kuru Kururu.
According to the Department for Public Information (DPI), the aim of the three-day simulation exercise is to assess the national One Health collaboration and Guyana’s preparedness to manage outbreaks of “bird flu” and other zoonotic diseases.
According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), zoonotic diseases are caused by harmful germs such as viruses, bacteria, parasites, and fungi that can spread to humans and cause disease.
After the simulated outbreak ends, GLDA and its partners will identify areas that need to improve the way they respond to outbreaks of HPAI and other zoonotic diseases.
GLDA Senior Veterinarian Dr. Randy Storm explained to the Department of Public Information (DPI) that the second simulated exercise was successful.
“It was a good exercise and we were able to identify strengths, weaknesses, gaps and how we can improve our cooperation better when the One Health initiative is being driven by many international organizations,” Dr. Storm emphasized.