WorldPoultry: Hong Kong to stage Avian Influenza exercise

A field simulation exercise on Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) H5N1, codenamed “Hyacinth”, will be conducted on 1 November 2012 in Hong Kong, local officials have reported.

The aim of the exercise is to ensure the Department's preparedness and readiness in case a culling operation in local poultry farms is necessary.

It will focus on familiarising 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.

A field command centre and two fictitious chicken farms are set up for players to carry out the frontline duties, which include 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.