POLAND: AVIAN INFLUENZA UPDATE - APRIL 28, 2006

UNCLAS WARSAW 000793 SIPDIS DEPT FOR EUR/NCE DKOSTELANCIK AND MSESSUMS, DEPT FOR G, OES/IHA, OES/IHA FOR DSINGER AND RDALEY, DEPT FOR INR RLESTER USEU FOR DKANAREK E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: KFLU TBIO SENV ECON EAGR PREL PL SUBJECT: POLAND: AVIAN INFLUENZA UPDATE - APRIL 28, 2006 REF: WARSAW 736 AND PREVIOUS ¶1. There have been no new outbreaks of AI in Poland during the past week. The infected and surveillance zones in Swinoujscie and Torun have been lifted, and the areas have been declared free of AI. ¶2. Between April 18-22 the Polish Veterinary Service, with the assistance of police, fire, military, and local authorities, participated in a response to a simulated AI outbreak in a commercial flock. 170 personnel from different parts of Poland participated. 400 birds (already slated for the slaughterhouse) were euthanized by carbon dioxide and the poultry facility was disinfected afterward. Authorities were pleased with the efficiency and coordination exhibited during the exercise. ASHE