APHIS IS Brasilia Coordinates HPAI Outbreak Workshop

APHIS IS Brasilia Coordinates HPAI Outbreak Workshop

Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) can have devastating consequences for poultry production, particularly since migratory wild waterfowl can be carriers of the virus and present a risk of transmission to poultry that come into contact with the waterfowl or their excrement. To help develop regional capabilities and partnerships necessary to fight HPAI, the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service’s (APHIS) International Services (IS) office in Brasilia organized an August 8-11 Workshop for First Responders to an HPAI Outbreak.

The workshop was taught by instructors from APHIS IS offices in Bolivia, Brazil, and Panama; Brazil’s Ministry of Agriculture; and the veterinary schools of the University of Brasilia, and Mississippi State University. The 47 attendees came from 11 countries, including Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Ecuador, Guyana, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, and Uruguay. During the workshop participants learned about, and had the opportunity to practice using personal protective equipment (PPE). They also conducted necropsies and practiced sample collection. Participants also enhanced regional links and partnerships that are vital to detecting and containing HPAI outbreaks. They also learned about the incident command system used by APHIS during outbreaks.

“The workshop enhanced South American capabilities to combat any future HPAI outbreaks and is in keeping with APHIS’ work to spread scientific knowledge and strengthen agricultural safeguarding systems,” said Dr. Conrad Estrada, IS Area Director for Brazil.