US embassy cable - 05BRATISLAVA935

UNCLAS BRATISLAVA 000935 
 
SIPDIS 
 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: TBIO, SENV, ECON, EAGR, EAID, PREL, LO 
SUBJECT: SLOVAKS ANSWER AVIAN FLU QUESTIONS 
 
REF: STATE 209622 
 
1.  The following are the responses to the reftel request 
for information about Slovakia's avian and pandemic 
influenza preparedness. 
 
2.  The GOS first drafted an emergency preparedness plan for 
pandemic influenza in 2001.  It was updated October 2005 to 
factor in recent developments and current international 
recommendations from the EU and World Health Organization 
(WHO).  The plan is realistic and well within the 
government's capabilities.  The plan (in Slovak) can be 
found at the following website: 
http://www.rokovania.sk/appl/material.nsf/0/5 0A60081D522726F 
C12570A6002C9DDC?OpenDocument 
 
3.  We expect the GOS to be highly transparent in the case 
of an outbreak, whether in animals or humans.  The subject 
is regularly in the news, addressed by international fora, 
the EU, and the medical community.  The Ministries of Health 
and Agriculture are run by professionals who understand the 
threat and the problems that would arise from obfuscation. 
 
4.  The GOS, along with the EU, considers preparation for a 
pandemic influenza to be of critical importance.  The key 
contacts for coordination include the Ministries of Health 
and Agriculture. 
 
5.  National laws have been reviewed by the GOS and will 
continue to be revised as required by any developing 
pandemic situation. 
 
6.  The GOS is already working with international 
organizations to combat avian influenza.  GOS interlocutors 
have expressed willingness to work both bilaterally with the 
USG and multilaterally with the WHO, UN, and the EU as 
required.  Slovakia is not likely to ask specific aid from 
the USG at this time. 
 
7.  Slovakia does currently administer seasonal influenza 
shots and has taken special care to make sure at-risk 
persons such as poultry workers receive the vaccination. 
Slovakia does not currently manufacture the influenza 
vaccinations for humans or poultry, nor is it developing any 
H5N1 vaccines.  The State Medical Control Office (SMCO) is 
responsible for approving the use of all drugs in Slovakia. 
If a vaccine is already approved for use, then the liability 
lies with the SMCO, not the donor of the drug.  The SMCO 
also has a system in place to rapidly approve any new drug 
required in the case of a pandemic. 
 
8.  The population of Slovakia is relatively well-informed 
about the threat of avian influenza and necessary 
precautions they should take.  The media has consistently 
addressed the topic and the Ministry of Health (MOH) has 
prepared informational flyers.  (Note: the flyers have not 
been widely distributed because the MOH felt that this might 
cause a panic.  As a result, they have only passed them 
along to at-risk poultry workers and in rural areas.  End 
Note.) 
 
9.  The GOS does have lab facilities capable of detecting an 
emerging virus.  Additionally, GOS officials are required to 
send any specimens to the EU lab in the UK for verification. 
Either method can be done as quickly as possible. 
 
10.  The GOS does have a stockpile of anti-viral medications 
and more is on order though they have not chosen to inform 
post about the details.  The GOS does have personal 
protective gear available throughout the country and is 
currently performing an inventory check to see if additional 
stocks are required.  Guidelines are in place for a rapid 
response, culling, vaccination, and disinfection.  There are 
already limitations in place on animal movement, including a 
ban on live birds in markets, bird hunting, and pigeon 
racing. 
 
11.  Quarantines and social distancing will be enforced, if 
necessary, by the GOS and its military. 
 
VALLEE 
 
 
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