Gildernew takes part in Exercise Yellowhammer

Minister Michelle Gildernew MP, MLA has participated in a contingency planning exercise, which was held across the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD) today.

The Minister met with members of the press and participated in a simulated press conference on an avian influenza outbreak.

At the exercise, the Minister said: "The aim of Exercise Yellowhammer is to review, and identify further areas for improvement within the DARD contingency plan for epizootic disease. After today’s exercise we will be able to enhance the current state of readiness for any local outbreak of Avian Influenza (AI).

“We subject our contingency plans to a process of regular review and update them accordingly. Exercise Yellowhammer is part of this process. The areas highlighted for improvement will be revised, retested and incorporated into the next revision of the contingency plan.”

A series of preparatory exercises entitled the Goldcrest series has been carried out by DARD which has culminated with Exercise Yellowhammer. These exercises were all based on an Avian Influenza scenario and are designed to help train staff in their agreed roles, highlight policy issues and test communication within the various DARD Command and Control structures.

Notes to editors:

1. EU legislation requires Member States to have in place Contingency Plans for epizootic disease which must incorporate staff training and exercising of plans.
2. Capacity to develop and test plans is maintained in DARD through the Contingency Planning for Epizootic Disease Unit (CPED Unit). Desktop/simulation exercises are on-going features of the contingency planning process.
3. Exercise Yellowhammer is one of a series of tests, which has been undertaken by DARD since June 2004.
4. All media enquiries should be directed to the DARD Press Office on 028 9052 4619. Out of office hours please contact the duty press officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.