SLOVAKS ANSWER AVIAN FLU QUESTIONS

UNCLAS BRATISLAVA 000935

SIPDIS


E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: TBIO SENV ECON EAGR EAID PREL LO
SUBJECT: SLOVAKS ANSWER AVIAN FLU QUESTIONS

REF: STATE 209622


1. The following are the responses to the reftel request
for information about Slovakia's avian and pandemic
influenza preparedness.


2. The GOS first drafted an emergency preparedness plan for
pandemic influenza in 2001. It was updated October 2005 to
factor in recent developments and current international
recommendations from the EU and World Health Organization
(WHO). The plan is realistic and well within the
government's capabilities. The plan (in Slovak) can be
found at the following website:
http://www.rokovania.sk/appl/material.nsf/0/5 0A60081D522726F
C12570A6002C9DDC?OpenDocument


3. We expect the GOS to be highly transparent in the case
of an outbreak, whether in animals or humans. The subject
is regularly in the news, addressed by international fora,
the EU, and the medical community. The Ministries of Health
and Agriculture are run by professionals who understand the
threat and the problems that would arise from obfuscation.


4. The GOS, along with the EU, considers preparation for a
pandemic influenza to be of critical importance. The key
contacts for coordination include the Ministries of Health
and Agriculture.


5. National laws have been reviewed by the GOS and will
continue to be revised as required by any developing
pandemic situation.


6. The GOS is already working with international
organizations to combat avian influenza. GOS interlocutors
have expressed willingness to work both bilaterally with the
USG and multilaterally with the WHO, UN, and the EU as
required. Slovakia is not likely to ask specific aid from
the USG at this time.


7. Slovakia does currently administer seasonal influenza
shots and has taken special care to make sure at-risk
persons such as poultry workers receive the vaccination.
Slovakia does not currently manufacture the influenza
vaccinations for humans or poultry, nor is it developing any
H5N1 vaccines. The State Medical Control Office (SMCO) is
responsible for approving the use of all drugs in Slovakia.
If a vaccine is already approved for use, then the liability
lies with the SMCO, not the donor of the drug. The SMCO
also has a system in place to rapidly approve any new drug
required in the case of a pandemic.


8. The population of Slovakia is relatively well-informed
about the threat of avian influenza and necessary
precautions they should take. The media has consistently
addressed the topic and the Ministry of Health (MOH) has
prepared informational flyers. (Note: the flyers have not
been widely distributed because the MOH felt that this might
cause a panic. As a result, they have only passed them
along to at-risk poultry workers and in rural areas. End
Note.)


9. The GOS does have lab facilities capable of detecting an
emerging virus. Additionally, GOS officials are required to
send any specimens to the EU lab in the UK for verification.
Either method can be done as quickly as possible.


10. The GOS does have a stockpile of anti-viral medications
and more is on order though they have not chosen to inform
post about the details. The GOS does have personal
protective gear available throughout the country and is
currently performing an inventory check to see if additional
stocks are required. Guidelines are in place for a rapid
response, culling, vaccination, and disinfection. There are
already limitations in place on animal movement, including a
ban on live birds in markets, bird hunting, and pigeon
racing.


11. Quarantines and social distancing will be enforced, if
necessary, by the GOS and its military.

VALLEE


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