SLOVENIA'S EFFORTS TO FIGHT AVIAN FLU

UNCLAS LJUBLJANA 000757

SIPDIS


DEPT FOR EUR/NCE, EUR/ERA
AMEMBASSY VIENNA FOR QUINTIN GRAY AND SARAH HANSON
USEU FOR DEBORAH KANAREK

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: KSCA EAGR EAID ECON PREL SOCI TBIO SI
SUBJECT: SLOVENIA'S EFFORTS TO FIGHT AVIAN FLU

REF: A. SECSTATE 164314


B. LJUBLJANA 614

C. LJUBLJANA 652

D. SECSTATE 195603


1. (U) Summary: In light of the geographic proximity of
recent cases of avian flu in neighboring countries, Slovenia
realizes it will likely see (and may already have) cases of
avian flu within its borders. In order to prevent or at
least contain possible outbreaks, the GOS has undertaken a
series of measures to increase Slovenia's preparedness. In
addition to a ban on the import of poultry from a number of
countries, Slovenia has adopted an action plan to address a
possible avian flu outbreak. This plan was tested in a live
simulation in June 2005 and later updated upon the EU
Commission's recommendations in October 2005. Slovenia has
also announced that it will begin stockpiling anti-viral
drugs in the near future. There is extensive media coverage
on avian flu and Slovenia's preparedness for it and there is
wide availability of informational brochures in public
places around the country. End Summary.

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CONTAINMENT
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2. Due to a recent case of avian flu in neighboring
Croatia, the Slovenian Veterinary Administration has
temporarily ordered all free-range chickens in Croatian
border regions to be transferred indoors. (Note: This case
was confirmed on 26 October to be the deadly N5H1 strain.
End note.) Veterinary inspectors are closely monitoring the
areas close to Croatia and urging farmers to comply with the
order. Inspectors have already visited over 190 poultry
farms to check farmers' compliance with the measures. In
cases of noncompliance, the Veterinary Administration has
the authority to levy fines.


3. In a further attempt to contain a potential spread of
avian flu, the GOS has banned certain imports. Currently,
imports of poultry (including eggs, feather products, and
stuffed birds) and other birds is prohibited from the
following countries: Cambodia, Kazakhstan, Indonesia, Laos,
China and Hong Kong, Malaysia, Pakistan, Romania, Russia,
North Korea, Thailand, Turkey, Vietnam, and Croatia.

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CONTINGENCY PLANNING
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4. As one of the prerequisites for EU accession, in 2004
Slovenia prepared an action plan to address a possible avian
flu outbreak. In October 2005, the plan was reviewed by the
EU Commission and updated by the Slovenian Veterinary
Administration. The plan offers precise, step-by-step
instructions for government institutions on how to handle an
outbreak of avian flu. The institutions that are involved
are: the Ministry of Agriculture and Veterinary
Administration (veterinary inspectors and laboratories),
Ministry of Health, poultry farmers, police, military, and
Civil Defense Agency and Disaster Relief Units. Each
institution's tasks and responsibilities are clearly stated
in order for all involved parties to understand their role
and the roles of others. The Veterinary Administration has
posted this action plan on its website
(http://www.sigov.si/vurs/ai.php) along with other useful
information on avian influenza for the general public.


5. In order to prove the viability of its contingency
plans, in June 2005 the Veterinary Administration
coordinated a simulation of an outbreak of three
simultaneous cases of avian flu. All institutions involved
in the contingency plan took part in the exercise. The
simulation was mandated by the EU Commission and followed a
previously approved EU-mandated action plan. In addition to
the simulation carried out in Slovenia, the Ministry of
Health's Public Health Division also participates in avian
flu simulations led by the EU.


6. In addition to the plans put in place to contain the
spread of flu, the Ministry of Health is preparing an action
plan that would be used in the event of an avian flu
pandemic affecting the human population. As part of this
plan, the Ministry has incorporated recommendations from the
recent WHO meeting in Copenhagen. The Ministry will post
the action plan on their webpage (http://www2.gov.si/mz/mz-
splet.nsf) during the week of 31 October. The Health

Ministry also maintains a page in its website that carries
important pandemic-flu information. The Ministry has
additionally established a telephone hotline, which people
can call and ask questions about avian flu.

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STOCKPILING OF ANTI-VIRAL DRUGS
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7. On 14 October, Health Minister Andrej Brucan announced
that Slovenia is preparing a stockpile of the anti-viral
drug Tamiflu. Brucan said the Ministry would purchase
sufficient stock to supply approximately one quarter of the
population or roughly 500,000 doses. The Ministry expects
to receive the drug in two separate consignments beginning
in early 2006. According to Brucan, Tamiflu would provide
important protection in the initial period until an
effective vaccine is created. Normal usage of Tamiflu in
Slovenia is approximately 1,500 to 2,000 doses per year.
The Ministry has said that there is currently no stock of
Tamiflu in Slovenia.

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MEDIA
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8. As in other countries, the media report daily on avian
flu cases in nearby countries as well as the Slovene
responses to them. Media outlets have also carried reports
discussing the possibility of similar occurrences in
Slovenia. Brochures prepared by public health officials
with information regarding avian flu have been distributed
widely in health and other public institutions throughout
Slovenia. At the main international airport near the
capital, posters with avian flu information have been placed
throughout the building explaining to tourists how to lower
the risk of infection and transmission of the virus.

ROBERTSON


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