Abstract: The "
Swiss cheese" model can reveal the presence of many small defects or errors in the system, which creates the preconditions for the emergence of danger. In an ideal world, each layer of protection should be intact. In the model, each slice of cheese represents a specific safety barrier or a safety measure associated with a specific hazard.
In the present study we used the "Swiss cheese" model as a tool to identify key weaknesses in the program for prevention, control and eradication of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in Bulgaria for 2017. In the analysis of the institutional risks we used the OIE criteria for assessment of the Veterinary Services (OIE PVS Tool, 2010).
Recommendations were made on the need to comply with good administrative practices and maintain an adequate system for documenting and reporting their activities throughout the hierarchical chain.