In collaboration with the Cypriot Veterinary Services, this simulation exercise has been planned, conducted, and assessed with the assistance of Sciensano (European Union Reference Laboratory for Capripoxviruses) and the EuFMD.

The objectives of the exercise are to:

• practice available procedures and assess the ability of staff to carry out biosecurity protocols when entering and leaving the SPGP suspect farm;
• practice available procedures and assess the ability of veterinary staff to conduct clinical examination in the case of SPGP suspicion;
• practice and assess the ability of the veterinary staff to conduct sampling procedures in the case of SPGP suspicion;
• practice and assess conduct of the epidemiological investigation to determine most probable sources of introduction and onward spread of SPGP;
• practice sample collection and packaging in case of suspicion of SPGP;
• evaluate the processes of sample reception, sample analysis and reporting of results for samples suspected of SPGP;
• assess the laboratory capacity to timely process and communicate results of SPGP suspected sample;
• practise the biosecurity measures required to handle and process SPGP suspected samples;
• test the communication procedures within the laboratory after receiving and while processing an SPGP suspected sample;
• practice and test the communication between laboratory, field veterinarians and central level.