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The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) conducted a field simulation exercise today (October 28) 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 Hong Kong.
The exercise, codenamed 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," an AFCD spokesman said.
Although local poultry farms had been free of HPAI since end-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.
About 100 staff took part in the exercise.
The AFCD has notified the World Organisation for Animal Health of the exercise.
Ends/Thursday, October 28, 2010
Issued at HKT 16:36
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