October 29, 2010

Hong Kong holds avian flu outbreak exercise

The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department of Hong Kong Thursday (Oct 28) conducted a field simulation exercise to review the department's preparedness in case a poultry culling operation was required in response to an outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in the city.

The exercise, code named Begonia, provided a scenario for concerned staff to familiarise themselves with the work procedures and biosecurity measures for carrying out the operation and to identify areas for improvement in the response plans.

"The exercise focused on the overall on-site preparation and implementation of biosecurity measures, such as the procedure for putting on and removing protective gear, as well as the disinfection and disposal of carcasses," a spokesman for the department said.

Although local poultry farms had been free of HPAI since the end of the year 2008, Hong Kong must stay vigilant to prevent avian influenza as there have been HPAI cases in nearby regions from time to time, the spokesman said.

A field command centre and two mock chicken farms were set up for participants to carry out their frontline duties, which included mobilising staff and resources, setting up different operation areas in the index farm, and following personal biosecurity guidelines when entering and leaving the index farm.

The department has notified the World Organisation for Animal Health of the exercise which involved about 100 staff.