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A survey of national emergency preparedness and response (EPR) systems. FAO Project TCP/INT/3501: Strengthening biosecurity governance and capacities for dealing with the serious shrimp infectious myonecrosis virus (IMNV) disease

Year of publication 2018

Place of publication Rome, Italy ;

Pages 42 p.

Author Perera, R. ; Bondad-Reantaso, M. G. ; Chávez Sánchez, M. C. ; Irde, E.

Publisher FAO ;

Product type Book (series)

ISBN 978-92-5-131154-7

Series title FAO Fisheries and Aquaculture Circular

Series number No. 1172

Edition 1

Synopsis (short abstract) As part of the FAO project Strengthening biosecurity governance and capacities for dealing with the serious shrimp infectious myonecrosis Strengthening biosecurity governance and capacities for dealing with the serious shrimp infectious myonecrosis virus (IMNV) disease, the FAO undertook a self-assessment questionnaire-based survey of the aquatic animal diseases emergency preparedness and response (EPR) systems of six participating countries, Brazil, Ecuador and Mexico (representing South/Central America) and China, Indonesia and Thailand (representing Asia), with a view to developing recommendations for improved performance. Current system strengths and weaknesses were identified by comparing each country’s EPR system elements against those elements needed for a comprehensive (ideal world) EPR system based on FAO and OIE publications (and the model used in Australia). The questionnaire covered three broad systems components: administration (e.g. resource allocation and legislation), operational components (including early warning, early detection and early response systems) and operational support systems (such as information management and communications systems). The questionnaire was structured into four sections: (1) general administration, (2) operational components, (3) support systems and (4) additional information. Section 1 (General Administration) contained questions aimed at generating information on the administrative structure and the scope of responsibilities of the Competent Authority on various elements (e.g. communication, risk analysis, contingency plan, personnel skills, etc.) that are essential when dealing with an aquatic emergency response. Section 2 (Aquatic EPR System Elements) contained questions on the priority system elements identified by the OIE; namely, early warning, early response and early detection systems. Section 3 (Support Systems) contained questions about broader supporting systems in relation to legislation, information management, communications and resourcing. Section 4 (Additional information) presented an opportunity for countries to provide any information or raise issues not adequately addressed in the questionnaire. The self-assessment survey provided insight into each country’s capabilities in terms of policies, procedures and institutional capabilities in place to detect the incursion of an emergency aquatic animal disease and to respond to that incursion by containing or eradicating the disease. Six key areas of need where EPR systems were not well developed included the following: stakeholder consultation, systems audit/review, simulation exercises, education/awareness building, documentation and dedicated resourcing. Analysis of the survey responses form the basis of 20 recommendations aimed at improving the administration and operation of national EPR systems with respect to early warning, early detection and early response to emergency aquatic animal disease incursions.  

Language English

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