NOMINATION FOR EMBASSY SCIENCE FELLOWS PROGRAM

UNCLAS KINGSTON 000725

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

STATE FOR WHA/CAR (BENT),STATE ALSO FOR OES/STC (LUCERO)

E.O. 12958: NA
TAGS: KSCA TSPL AMGT OTRA APER SENV JM
SUBJECT: NOMINATION FOR EMBASSY SCIENCE FELLOWS PROGRAM

REF: STATE 35305


1. This is a joint State-FAS-USAID message.


2. The growing global threat of highly pathogenic avian
influenza (HPAI) to human and domestic animal health,
agricultural industries, and entire economies, has generated
interest among Government of Jamaica (GOJ) officials and
private sector stakeholders to improve the capacity to
respond to the spread of the disease to the western
hemisphere in general, and Jamaica in particular. Despite
conceptualizing a National Avian Influenza Surveillance and
Response Program, the GOJ lacks the technical capacity to
develop and implement key aspects of the program. The
Embassy has assessed the GOJ's program and has, on the
merits of its relevance to Jamaica's rural stability and
public and animal health in the western hemisphere, decided
to submit a proposal to host a Fellow under the Embassy
Science Fellows Program (ESFP - see reftel),and to provide
the required technical support. It is envisioned that the
fellow would likely come through USDA or NIH.


3. Jamaica's location in the North-South America migration
route exposes its wild bird population to the presence of
HPAI in migrating birds. Further, the small size of the
country and the extensive co-mingling of wild birds with
"backyard" poultry magnify the probability of AI
transmission to commercial poultry. Any such occurrence
would have adverse social and economic effects in Jamaica
due to the disproportionate dependence of rural communities
on the poultry industry. Additionally, constant bird-human
contact by "backyard" poultry farmers, and the resulting
elevated risk of cross-species transmission of the pathogen
is especially worrying to public health officials.


4. In light of Jamaica's vulnerability, and its
responsibilities to the hemispheric efforts against AI, the
GOJ has embarked on developing a comprehensive multi-agency
avian influenza surveillance and response program,
encompassing field epidemiology, specimen collection,
laboratory diagnostics, public education and training, and
the development of protocols to control and eradicate AI.
The GOJ has acknowledged its incapacity to effectively
develop and implement the program, and has requested the
USG's assistance in providing hands-on scientific exchange.


5. After assessing the GOJ's program and technical requests,
post has decided to commit resources to host a U.S.
technical expert under the EFSP, and to provide all
requisite support. The time horizon and nature of the
Fellowship are well suited to the capacity-building efforts
of the GOJ. As stated in reftel, post confirms that it can
provide, housing, office space, email/internet access, local
work-related travel expense, and other supplementary work-
related costs for the participating Fellow. Housing would
not be impossible during the summer months, but TDY units
are more readily available outside of the summer transfer
season. Likewise, the GOJ is anxious to begin this
cooperation as soon as possible. Additionally, the Fellow
will be provided with the following Embassy services: CLO
orientation, security, mail, check cashing, and access to
post health unit in accordance with the rules governing TDY
employment.


6. The participating Fellow should possess expertise in
analytical veterinary epidemiology, and will be required to
train Jamaican veterinarians and assist in designing and
implementing the national AI surveillance program.
Specifically, the Fellow will be required to provide
guidance on: developing an AI sampling program / protocol;
collection, packaging, transportation and storage of
diagnostic samples; designing and validating samples;
statistical analysis of sample data; aseptic collection of
samples; post-mortem sample collection; identity laboratory
facilities and procedures for AI testing, and conduct
laboratory diagnostic tests for AI. Additionally, the Fellow
should be prepared to participate in field training of
private veterinarians, farmers, and other stakeholders. Post
anticipates that a National AI simulation exercise would be
conducted during the Fellow's tenure in Jamaica, if such a
proposal is approved.


7. Since the Fellow will be assigned to post for
approximately 60 days (two months),medical clearance will
be necessary. While full security clearance will not be
necessary, the proposed Fellow will be required to complete
SF-85, Questionnaire for Non-Sensitive Positions.


8. Embassy point of contact:

John Morgan
Economic Officer
e-mail: morganjs@state.gov
Phone: (876)935-6028
Fax: (876)935-6029


JOHNSON