Dr Thomas Sit, Chief Veterinary Officer, Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) of Hong Kong (Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China), informed the OIE that a field simulation exercise on Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI)H5N1, codenamed Begonia, is conducted on 28 October 2010 in Hong Kong (Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China).
The aim of this exercise, in which the concerned staff is participating, is to ensure the Department’s preparedness and readiness in case a culling operation in local poultry farms is necessary.
It focus on:
- familiarizing the staff with the procedures and biosecurity measures required for carrying out the culling operation to eradicate an outbreak of HPAI H5N1 with a view to identify improvements in planning and implementation of procedures.
- 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 of the farm and disposal of carcasses.
A field command centre and two mock chicken farms are set up for players to carry out the frontline duties, which includes mobilizing staff and resources, setting up different operation areas in the index farm, and following personal biosecurity guidelines when entering and leaving the index farm.
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Animal Health Information Department
World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE)
[email protected]