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6. LOCAL LEVEL COMMUNICATIONS
Local Disease Control Centre ( LDCC) communications cell
6.1 The Divisional Veterinary Manager ( DVM), with support from the ROD, will set up an LDCC either at suspicion stage or on confirmation of disease. The LDCC will implement Scottish Government policy in the field and as part of this will provide a comprehensive, integrated communications service responsible for several functions.
LDCC media support
6.2 In the early stages consideration will be given to embedding a Scottish Government Communications Officer at the LDCC in order to manage local media coverage. The Local Communications Officer will:
- advise the DVM, ROD and MDRT on local level communications issues;
- liaise with local media;
- ensure accurate scientific information is being disseminated;
- manage public concerns;
- coordinate communications on the ground with operational partners.
6.3 The Local Communications Officer will assume the lead role on local level disease control communications and will determine the level of control Scottish Government requires over media communications from operational partner organisations.
6.4 Consideration will also be given to establishing a media centre at the suspect/infected premises however this is unlikely unless there are high levels of media interest around the locus. This could potentially arise if the owners of the IP choose to field media queries on location or if an off-farm situation, such as avian influenza being identified in wild birds, transpires. Any decision to establish a media centre or to supply an on-site Local Communications Officer will be taken by MDRT based on the specifics at the time and with the objective of identifying the most effective way of controlling media coverage.
Coordination of local operational partners
6.5 The disease response at the local level is managed by the DVM and ROD. The principal role of the ROD will be the coordination of all local operational partners often via SCGs. The ROD will ensure that the necessary local operational partners required to deal with any consequence management issues are identified and that they receive the necessary briefing. SCG members will also receive updates via SGoRR communications. This ensures that all consequences of the disease outbreak, such as public health concerns, are properly addressed and that operational partners are well briefed ahead of putting information into the public domain.
Initial local level communications
6.6 Where appropriate, the DVM, in conjunction with the MDRT, will liaise with appropriate local media - e.g. local radio stations - to raise local awareness of the situation and the imposition of movement restrictions on susceptible animals should they fall within a restricted zone. This could be relevant either at the suspect stage with the imposition of a Temporary Control Zone or once disease has been confirmed. The need to raise local awareness will be based on consideration such as:
- the type and location of disease;
- the restrictions in place;
- the animal population density in the surrounding area;
- potential public health implications.
6.7 Where appropriate, RPID staff will contact by telephone animal keepers within a restricted area in order provide them with information on the requirements they must observe and general biosecurity advice. A letter providing more detail will then follow. The flowchart at Appendix E outlines this process.
Local Stakeholder Group
6.8 The ROD will establish and chair a local level industry stakeholder group.
Local helpline(s)
6.9 A local helpline, led by the ROD and DVM, will be set up where appropriate. Establishing the local helpline will involve liaising with SCGs and possibly industry over the establishment of a multi-organisational led helpline capable of dealing with a wide range of local issues.
6.10 The helpline number, when known will be given to the Disease Strategy Unit for inclusion on the website and in future News Releases. The number will also be advertised locally. In the early hours, the Defra website will be a useful source of information for general background information on the disease but for detail the Disease Strategy Unit's Key Brief document will quickly become the main ongoing point of reference for helpline staff when dealing with queries.
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