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The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) conducted an exercise today (December 18) to ensure the department's preparedness and readiness in case a culling operation in local poultry farms was necessary.
The exercise, codenamed Daisy, provided a scenario for the concerned staff to familiarise themselves with the preparation procedures and biosecurity measures for carrying out the operation .
"The exercise focused on the overall on-site preparation and implementation of biosecurity measures, such as the procedure for wearing and removing protective gear, as well as the disinfection and disposal of carcasses," an AFCD spokesman said.
The spokesman added that a field command centre and two mock chicken farms were set up for players to carry out all kinds of frontline duties, which included mobilising staff and resources, setting up different operation areas in the index farm, and practising personal biosecurity when entering and leaving the index farm.
About 110 players took part in the exercise.
The World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) has been notified of the exercise by the AFCD.
Ends/Tuesday, December 18, 2007
Issued at HKT 19:32
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