Journal article
Real-time laboratory exercises to test contingency plans for classical swine fever: experiences from two national laboratories : -EN- Real-time laboratory exercises to test contingency plans for classical swine fever: experiences from two national laboratories -FR- Exercices de simulation en temps réel pour tester les plans d'urgence des laboratoires en cas de peste porcine classique : l'expérience de deux laboratoires nationaux -ES-
Federal Veterinary and Agrochemical Research Centre1
Sektion for Eksotiske Virussygdomme, Division of Virology, National Veterinary Institute, Technical University of Denmark2
Division of Virology, National Veterinary Institute, Technical University of Denmark3
National Veterinary Institute, Technical University of Denmark4
University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation5
In order to adequately and efficiently handle outbreaks of contagious diseases such as classical swine fever (CSF), foot and mouth disease or highly pathogenic avian influenza, competent authorities and the laboratories involved have to be well prepared and must be in possession of functioning contingency plans.
These plans should ensure that in the event of an outbreak access to facilities, equipment, resources, trained personnel, and all other facilities needed for the rapid and efficient eradication of the outbreak is guaranteed, and that the procedures to follow are well rehearsed. It is essential that these plans are established during ‘peace-time’ and are reviewed regularly.
This paper provides suggestions on how to perform laboratory exercises to test preparedness and describes the experiences of two national reference laboratories for CSF. The major lesson learnt was the importance of a well-documented laboratory contingency plan. The major pitfalls encountered were shortage of space, difficulties in guaranteeing biosecurity and sufficient supplies of sterile equipment and consumables.
The need for a standardised laboratory information management system, that is used by all those involved in order to reduce the administrative load, is also discussed.
Language: | English |
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Year: | 2007 |
Pages: | 629-638 |
ISSN: | 02531933 , 16080645 and 16080637 |
Types: | Journal article |
DOI: | 10.20506/rst.26.3.1769 |