Institute experts participate at the "NHS for non-epidemic emergencies: the role of Veterinary Public Health" programme

The training programme "National Health Service for non-epidemic emergencies: the role of Veterinary Public Health" was held at Rovigo (Italy) from the 29^th of September to October the 1^st. The programme was organised by the Experimental Zooprophylactic Institute of Venezie in collaboration with the Veterinary Services of Rovigo's Ulss 18 ( Local Health and Social Care Services) and the Italian Society for Veterinary Preventive Medicine.

The objective was to share current knowledge and compare adopted management models and NHS' lessons learnt while dealing with great natural disasters and environmental calamities.

The G. Caporale Institute's doctors Paolo Dalla Villa and Nicola Ferri contributed to the course by presenting the operating procedures and consequent results obtained through the coordination of veterinary activities carried out by the National Civil Protection during the earthquake emergency of L'Aquila.

Special attention was given to stress the need for a systematic planning of actions targeted to counteract the effects of such disasters in an integrated manner; taking into account the operational models and the most effective and advanced technological tools, already tested at national, regional and local levels. This systematic planning is essential to rapidly restore pre-existing conditions and insure sustainability.

The analysis of different approaches further allowed to identify the active involvement of local communities as a key factor to prevent and mitigate the effects of disasters , especially on pets and livestock species raised in suburban areas .

Concluding the training programme, all 170 participants agreed upon the need to develop manuals and standard operating procedures for the management of the diverse non-epidemic emergencies; provide specific communication plans; and establish training programs that can ensure the ongoing professional development of the various figures involved.