Exercise Eleusis
A national simulation called Exercise Eleusis '05 was held on 29 November - 1 December 2005.
The Exercise simulated an outbreak of avian influenza and evaluated the industry and government's national capability to manage a zoonotic disease outbreak.
The objectives of the Exercise were to test:
- the effective integration of national emergency zoonosis arrangements between industry, agricultural agencies and health agencies at state and territory, and Australian Government levels
- public communication
- disease control policies and strategies.
About 1,000 people participated throughout Australia from industry, government agriculture and health agencies, emergency management, food safety agencies as well as many other others.
The Exercise re-asserted:
- collaboration between lead agencies is essential to a successful response
- multi-level coordination across disciplines and jurisdictions, regarding procedures, policies and plans is essential for effective disease control, both before and during a response
- the importance of national strategies for animal and human health including surveillance and animal welfare
- good local management will prevent issues developing into national problems
- industry engagement in the decision making processes and in implementing response plans is critical
- public communication demands will be significant and consistent public messages between jurisdictions and agencies will maintain public confidence during an emergency.
Exercise Eleusis Report
Analytical Background 
PDF [720kb]
Key Findings PDF [335kb]
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