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The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) conducted a field simulation exercise today (November 1) to review the department's preparedness in case a poultry culling operation is required in response to an outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza in Hong Kong.
Code-named Hyacinth, the exercise provided a scenario for relevant 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 procedures for wearing and removing protective gear, as well as the disinfection and disposal of carcasses.
A field command centre and two mock chicken farms were set up for participants to carry out their front-line 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 Secretary for Food and Health, Dr Ko Wing-man, and the Under Secretary for Food and Health, Professor Sophia Chan, accompanied by the Director of Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation, Mr Alan Wong, visited the field command centre to observe the exercise.
Dr Ko stressed the importance of putting in place the contingency response plan to ensure the AFCD's preparedness and readiness in case a culling operation in Hong Kong is necessary.
"The occurrence of avian influenza outbreaks in different parts of the region over the past few years, coupled with the changes in the circulating virus strains, indicates that the threat of avian influenza still persists. The whole society, including the Government and the poultry trade, as well as the general public, must remain vigilant. There is no room to relax the avian influenza prevention and control measures," he said.
Dr Ko said that regular exercises are conducted to ensure that government departments and relevant organisations are well prepared and geared up for combating major infectious disease outbreaks and public health emergencies.
He pointed out that apart from rolling forward various prevention and control measures, the Government had stepped up surveillance before the winter season. These include the conduct of surprise inspections targeting local poultry farms and pet bird shops, the collection of more samples from the wholesale poultry market and retail outlets for tests on avian influenza, and enhanced actions to combat illegal importation of live birds at boundary control points. A new Re-6 vaccine (developed by the Harbin Veterinary Research Institute to match the prevailing clade 2.3.2.1 of avian influenza virus commonly found in the region) will be introduced on trial to a few local chicken farms this month.
A total of 113 staff members of the AFCD and the Civil Aid Service took part in the exercise. Dr Ko expressed gratitude to the participants for their efforts and positive contributions to the smooth running of the exercise. The AFCD has notified the World Organisation for Animal Health of the exercise.
Ends/Thursday, November 1, 2012
Issued at HKT 18:28
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