AVIAN FLU PREPAREDNESS: FRENCH EFFORTS

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 PARIS 007573

SIPDIS

FOR G, OES, OES/IHA, EUR/WE
HHS FOR INTERNATIONAL/STEIGER/BUDASHEWITZ/GAY
USDA FOR ITP/MACKE/THOMAS, CMP/DLP/WETZEL
USDA FOR FAS PASS FSIS AND APHIS
CDC FOR DR. DBELL

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: TBIO EAGR SOCI FR
SUBJECT: AVIAN FLU PREPAREDNESS: FRENCH EFFORTS
DESIGNED TO REASSURE PUBLIC

REF: PARIS 7132


1. Summary. The GOF continues to hone preparations
for a future avian flu pandemic. On October 27,
Research Minister Goulard made symbolic visits to some
of France's most prestigious biological research
facilities that could prove critical in any response to
an H5N1 viral outbreak. On November 3-4, a full-scale
exercise was conducted on a poultry farm in the
Finistere region (Brittany). In addition to its
training value, it was also meant to reassure the
French public that the government can handle the real
thing. According to a recent announcement, mandatory
containment of poultry has been instituted in one-
quarter of continental France. End summary.

Research - Front and Center
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2. On October 27, Research Minister Goulard visited
key public research centers in the Lyon area
(Technopole Lyon-Gerland) to discuss the potential
availability of French experts and research facilities
in the event of an avian flu pandemic. Visits
included:

-- European Research Center for Virology and Immunology
(CERVI; a joint INSERM-Lyon I University lab);

-- Ecole Normale Superieure (ENS Lyon) with its world
renowned research laboratories;

-- Sanofi-Pasteur's Research and Production Center at
Marcy l'Etoile (vaccine production); and

-- Jean Mrieux-INSERM P4 laboratory de Lyon, a high-
level bio security and research center for highly
pathogenic viruses (ebola, lassa, etc.).

Herve Raoul, Assistant Director at the P4 laboratory
was widely quoted in the press for his remark that the
lab was "ready to stop all other research to focus on
the avian flu virus in case of a pandemic."

`Confidential' Seminar
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3. On November 3, the Research Ministry gathered 50
key French scientists to discuss on-going research on
emerging diseases of viral origin and notably avian
flu. Little has filtered out concerning substance of
this meeting. However, in the closing speech (which
permitted press access),Minister Goulard announced
that the new French Research Agency's budget for
research on infectious diseases of human or animal
origin would be strengthened in 2006. This funding (no
figures provided) is to be devoted to the
characterization of emerging viruses, better
understanding of mutation mechanisms, and development
of vaccinal and antiviral therapies.

France stages `what if' exercise
--------------


4. French authorities sealed off a poultry farm in
Kergloff, Brittany, on November 3-4 to test their
ability to handle a bird flu outbreak. The purpose of
the exercise was to validate on a large scale the
implementation of containment mechanisms in infected
areas, test coordination between teams, and evaluate
numbers of personnel and equipment necessary in case of
real emergency.


5. Scheduled nearly a year ago, the drill received
high profile media coverage with the recent arrival of
the H5N1 virus in Europe. Approximately 80-100
journalists in protective suits and masks attended the
two-day drill. The first day was devoted to the
quarantine of the poultry farm and assessment of the
threat (sending blood samples from chickens, setting up
road blocks, etc.). The second day (postulating a
confirmed contaminated bird) focused on measures
related to the slaughtering of poultry and protection
of deployed personnel. While the exercise had
originally been designed to deal with animal
contamination, the local hospital used the occasion to
test its procedures in the event of a human bird flu
casualty.


6. Comment: This was the second exercise conducted in
the area. The previous one that took place in June
2005, before the arrival of the H5N1 virus in Europe,
attracted almost no attention. The recent exercise
received much press attention. While the government
wanted to show off its capabilities, poultry producers
reportedly were unhappy fearing more adverse publicity
might further deter consumers from purchasing poultry.
Poultry consumption in France has fallen an estimated
20-25 percent in the recent weeks. End Comment.

Jailed Birds
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7. The GOF has ordered poultry breeders in 26
Departments at particular risk of contact with
migratory wildfowl (which could spread the virus) to
keep their chickens, ducks, and geese indoors. The ban
covers roughly 25 percent of French territory, mostly
areas along the Atlantic coast and in eastern France.
The government also suspended markets and displays
featuring wild birds across the country.

Hot Pictures
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8. The Health Ministry will launch in November 2005 a
test to evaluate the effectiveness of infra-red cameras
for the detection of febrile travelers in French
airports. Cameras will be tested for a two-month
period at the emergency services of the Pitie-
Salpetriere hospital in Paris. Commenting on this new
initiative, Interministerial Coordinator for Avian Flu
Didier Houssin stated that it will not be practical to
equip entire airports with the cameras. The Health
Ministry is also considering the use of electronic ear
thermometers in embarkation and disembarkation areas.
STAPLETON