FAO conducted simulation exercises on animal health emergencies in Trinidad and Tobago

Veterinary professionals, technicians and laboratory staff from the Ministry of Agriculture, representatives from national emergency management agencies, officials from the Ministry of Public Health and the Environment, security forces, representatives of local universities, communication specialists and high-level authorities from Trinidad and Tobago, participated in a massive simulation exercise against a hypothetical outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) on both islands.

Nearly 100 professionals from that country were invited by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). This marks a key milestone as part of the initiatives of the FAO Regional Office for Latin America and the Caribbean to assess and strengthen the capacities of countries in the region to respond to animal health emergencies.

The drill included hands-on biosafety and biosecurity exercises on farms in the field, epidemiological investigation, and field sampling, as well as analysis of these samples in the laboratory and the laboratory response, tabletop simulation exercises, and specific training in risk communication in both Trinidad and Tobago.

"As part of the technical assistance that we at the FAO Regional Office provide to member countries in the region, we have taken a significant step forward with the government of Trinidad and Tobago in improving its emergency response capabilities. It has been an intense and fruitful process on both islands, identifying strengths and opportunities for improvement that will help the country and its authorities update their policies, strengthen their coordination in these situations and promote resilient animal health systems aligned with international standards," noted Vanessa Max Kraus, animal health expert at the FAO Regional Office for Latin America and the Caribbean.

The simulation exercise was implemented under the One Health approach, recognizing the interconnection between public health, animal health and environmental management in the prevention and response to animal diseases outbreaks in the region, such as highly pathogenic avian influenza.

For his part, Senator Ravi Ratiram, Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries of Trinidad and Tobago, stressed the importance of investing in preparedness before a health emergency occurs.

“Preparedness is not built during a crisis; it is built long before one emerges. Exercises such as these enable us to validate our systems, strengthen institutional coordination, identify operational gaps and ensure that Trinidad and Tobago remains equipped to respond swiftly, decisively and collaboratively to emerging animal health threats. Through continued investment in resilient veterinary services, strong partnerships and evidence-based planning, we are safeguarding our livestock sector, protecting rural livelihoods, strengthening food security and contributing to national resilience”.

The activity was held in collaboration with Trinidad and Tobago’s Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries (MAF) and the Food Security Division (DFS) of the Tobago Assembly (THA).

This exercise reflects FAO's ongoing technical support in the region to strengthen official veterinary services and improve preparedness for animal health emergencies.