US embassy cable - 05LJUBLJANA757

UNCLAS  LJUBLJANA 000757 
 
SIPDIS 
 
 
DEPT FOR EUR/NCE, EUR/ERA 
AMEMBASSY VIENNA FOR QUINTIN GRAY AND SARAH HANSON 
USEU FOR DEBORAH KANAREK 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: KSCA, EAGR, EAID, ECON, PREL, SOCI, TBIO, SI 
SUBJECT: SLOVENIA'S EFFORTS TO FIGHT AVIAN FLU 
 
REF: A. SECSTATE 164314 
 
     B. LJUBLJANA 614 
     C. LJUBLJANA 652 
     D. SECSTATE 195603 
 
1. (U) Summary:  In light of the geographic proximity of 
recent cases of avian flu in neighboring countries, Slovenia 
realizes it will likely see (and may already have) cases of 
avian flu within its borders.  In order to prevent or at 
least contain possible outbreaks, the GOS has undertaken a 
series of measures to increase Slovenia's preparedness.  In 
addition to a ban on the import of poultry from a number of 
countries, Slovenia has adopted an action plan to address a 
possible avian flu outbreak.  This plan was tested in a live 
simulation in June 2005 and later updated upon the EU 
Commission's recommendations in October 2005.  Slovenia has 
also announced that it will begin stockpiling anti-viral 
drugs in the near future.  There is extensive media coverage 
on avian flu and Slovenia's preparedness for it and there is 
wide availability of informational brochures in public 
places around the country.  End Summary. 
 
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CONTAINMENT 
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2.  Due to a recent case of avian flu in neighboring 
Croatia, the Slovenian Veterinary Administration has 
temporarily ordered all free-range chickens in Croatian 
border regions to be transferred indoors.  (Note: This case 
was confirmed on 26 October to be the deadly N5H1 strain. 
End note.)  Veterinary inspectors are closely monitoring the 
areas close to Croatia and urging farmers to comply with the 
order.  Inspectors have already visited over 190 poultry 
farms to check farmers' compliance with the measures.  In 
cases of noncompliance, the Veterinary Administration has 
the authority to levy fines. 
 
3.  In a further attempt to contain a potential spread of 
avian flu, the GOS has banned certain imports.  Currently, 
imports of poultry (including eggs, feather products, and 
stuffed birds) and other birds is prohibited from the 
following countries: Cambodia, Kazakhstan, Indonesia, Laos, 
China and Hong Kong, Malaysia, Pakistan, Romania, Russia, 
North Korea, Thailand, Turkey, Vietnam, and Croatia. 
 
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CONTINGENCY PLANNING 
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4.  As one of the prerequisites for EU accession, in 2004 
Slovenia prepared an action plan to address a possible avian 
flu outbreak.  In October 2005, the plan was reviewed by the 
EU Commission and updated by the Slovenian Veterinary 
Administration.  The plan offers precise, step-by-step 
instructions for government institutions on how to handle an 
outbreak of avian flu.  The institutions that are involved 
are: the Ministry of Agriculture and Veterinary 
Administration (veterinary inspectors and laboratories), 
Ministry of Health, poultry farmers, police, military, and 
Civil Defense Agency and Disaster Relief Units.  Each 
institution's tasks and responsibilities are clearly stated 
in order for all involved parties to understand their role 
and the roles of others.  The Veterinary Administration has 
posted this action plan on its website 
(http://www.sigov.si/vurs/ai.php) along with other useful 
information on avian influenza for the general public. 
 
5.  In order to prove the viability of its contingency 
plans, in June 2005 the Veterinary Administration 
coordinated a simulation of an outbreak of three 
simultaneous cases of avian flu.  All institutions involved 
in the contingency plan took part in the exercise.  The 
simulation was mandated by the EU Commission and followed a 
previously approved EU-mandated action plan. In addition to 
the simulation carried out in Slovenia, the Ministry of 
Health's Public Health Division also participates in avian 
flu simulations led by the EU. 
 
6.  In addition to the plans put in place to contain the 
spread of flu, the Ministry of Health is preparing an action 
plan that would be used in the event of an avian flu 
pandemic affecting the human population.  As part of this 
plan, the Ministry has incorporated recommendations from the 
recent WHO meeting in Copenhagen.  The Ministry will post 
the action plan on their webpage (http://www2.gov.si/mz/mz- 
splet.nsf) during the week of 31 October.  The Health 
 
Ministry also maintains a page in its website that carries 
important pandemic-flu information.  The Ministry has 
additionally established a telephone hotline, which people 
can call and ask questions about avian flu. 
 
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STOCKPILING OF ANTI-VIRAL DRUGS 
------------------------------- 
7.  On 14 October, Health Minister Andrej Brucan announced 
that Slovenia is preparing a stockpile of the anti-viral 
drug Tamiflu.  Brucan said the Ministry would purchase 
sufficient stock to supply approximately one quarter of the 
population or roughly 500,000 doses.  The Ministry expects 
to receive the drug in two separate consignments beginning 
in early 2006.  According to Brucan, Tamiflu would provide 
important protection in the initial period until an 
effective vaccine is created.  Normal usage of Tamiflu in 
Slovenia is approximately 1,500 to 2,000 doses per year. 
The Ministry has said that there is currently no stock of 
Tamiflu in Slovenia. 
 
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MEDIA 
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8.  As in other countries, the media report daily on avian 
flu cases in nearby countries as well as the Slovene 
responses to them.  Media outlets have also carried reports 
discussing the possibility of similar occurrences in 
Slovenia.  Brochures prepared by public health officials 
with information regarding avian flu have been distributed 
widely in health and other public institutions throughout 
Slovenia.  At the main international airport near the 
capital, posters with avian flu information have been placed 
throughout the building explaining to tourists how to lower 
the risk of infection and transmission of the virus. 
 
ROBERTSON 
 
 
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