The aim of the excersice to train and test standard operation procedures for biosecurity, sampling, samples packaging and dispatch of the samples. The exercise will contribute to improvement of emergency preparedness, response, and control systems for FMD in North Macedonia and Montenegro, to promote harmonization of best practices among countries and regional cooperation and collaboration. 

The main objectives of the event are to test and assess the operational procedures (SOPs) through drill, simulating their execution after suspicion of a FMD outbreak in a medium size cattle farm, evaluate their appropriateness and provide opportunity for their further improvement. 

Specific procedures that will be tested: 

• Assess the ability of field staff to carry out biosecurity procedures when entering and leaving the farm. 
• Assess the ability of field staff to carry out clinical examination and ageing of lesion.  
• Assess the ability of field staff to obtain and package samples for FMD laboratory examination.