The VISAVET Health Surveillance Centre of the Complutense University of Madrid yesterday, October 8th 2014, carried out a veterinary action to support public administrations in Madrid competent in Public and Animal Health and in compliance with a Court Order.

VISAVET veterinary staff with biosecurity expertise acted in order to avoid transmission of Ebola virus in compliance with this Order and following the protocols and recommendations described for these pathogens.

Administration and VISAVET evaluated all available options allowed in this operation, and wishes to clarify that it does not dispose of the biosecurity measures necessary for the possible containment of live animals suspected of infection by this pathogen (BSL-4) and that currently there is nowhere that does in the country, and even though the fate of the animal carcass was not finally the centre, it does dispose of the facilities for the correct treatment and inerting in biosecure conditions. Veterinary procedures were carried out according to the required guidelines for animal welfare. The transfer of the body for cremation was done in a vehicle within a containment device that ensured no contamination of the compartment and safe transfer.

VISAVET reported that no animal sampling was performed in order to eliminate the risk associated with these procedures.

VISAVET wishes to acknowledge the cooperation and support of law enforcement bodies at all times, and especially the fire department and SUMMA 112. VISAVET also regrets situations of tension produced in the neighborhood and wants to demonstrate that at all times it worked to ensure public health.

Madrid on October 9, 2014.