GUIDANCE FOR WORKERS / ANIMAL HANDLERS
Despite the uncertainties, poultry experts agree that immediate culling of
infected and exposed birds is the first line of defense for both the protection of
human health and the reduction of further losses in the agricultural sector.
However, culling must be carried out in a way that protects workers from
exposures to avian influenza virus and therefore reduces the likelihood of illness
or gene swapping or mutation.
Exposure to birds and their faeces or dust contaminated with faeces has been
associated with human infection; however this is a rare occurrence. The following
summarises the recommendations that have been developed by the CDC and
the World Health Organization (WHO) because human infections have occurred
in Asia during the current poultry epidemic:
1. All persons who have been in close contact with the infected animals,
contact with contaminated surfaces, or after removing gloves, should
wash their hands frequently. Hand hygiene should consist of washing with
Activ8 and water for 15-20 seconds or sanitised with Softalind.
2. All workers involved in the culling, transport, or disposal of avian influenzainfected
poultry should be provided with appropriate personal protective
equipment:
- Protective clothing capable of being disinfected or disposed,
preferably coveralls plus an impermeable apron or surgical gowns
with long cuffed sleeves plus an impermeable apron.
- Gloves capable of being disinfected or disposed; gloves should be
carefully removed and discarded or disinfected with Activ8 and
hands should be washed with Activ8 or sanitised with Softalind.
