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Prevention tips for poultry workers

Q：What precautions should farmers or handlers of poultry and birds adopt to prevent avian flu infection?
A：
1. Set up bird nets. Wild birds and waterfowl should be kept away from chicken pens and feed stockrooms.
2. Do not let waterfowls and land fowls occupy the same shelter.
3. Strengthen personnel and vehicular control measures. Strictly forbid unnecessary entry to poultry premises. Vehicles carrying feeds for waterfowl and for land fowl must be separated.
4. Disinfectant foot troughs must be set up in all entrances and exits of poultry/bird shelters. All workers must wear protective gears and shoes before entering and working in bird shelters.
5. Disinfectants are known to be capable of exterminating bird flu virus. Adopt proper cleaning and disinfection procedures in poultry farms.
6. In order to prevent possible cross-infection with different types of domestic birds, a specific cage must be assigned to each bird type when transporting fowls to the market. These cages are not to be used interchangeably for different bird types and must be thoroughly sanitized immediately after use.
7. Avoid visiting fowl or poultry farms in bird flu affected areas. Individuals returning from an infected area must wait at least one week before entering a bird shelter.
8. Livestock workers should comply with animal epidemic prevention authorities in carrying our necessary surveillance and sampling work.
9. When sudden deaths in chickens occur or when there are clear manifestations of head edema/dropsy, swelling of cockscomb, bleeding in non-feathered areas, nasal swelling, incoordinated movements, soiled feathers, loss of appetite, drastic decline in egg production and other symptoms, immediate notify relevant authorities to carry out diagnosis and preventive measures.
10. Reject the use of illegal vaccines and do not engage in illegal smuggling of animals and related products. Do not hesitate to report any smuggling activities and illegal trading of fowls to proper authorities (BAPHIQ toll-free informer line: 0800-039-131; BAPHIQ Case Reporting Mailbox: Taipei Postal Service PO Box 5-40; Coast Guard Bureau’s Toll-Free Service Hotline: 118).
11. Immediately wear a mask and seek medical assistance when there are symptoms like fever, cough, sore throat, conjunctivitis and other symptoms developed within ten days after direct contact with poultry/birds. All details concerning exposure to birds must be voluntarily disclosed to the health-care provider.
12. Face masks must be readily available at home and workplaces.
Q：What precautions should poultry workers (including retailers and market workers) take in order to prevent infection?
A：
1. Receive a seasonal influenza vaccine.
2. Always wear long-sleeved shirts, impermeable work clothes, as well as thick rubber gloves during direct contact with birds.
3. Always wear a face mask during work and avoid working in poorly ventilated areas.
4. Wear impermeable (e.g., rubber, polyurethane materials) work shoes.
5. Wearing goggles is recommended.
6. Wash hands frequently with soap. Always disinfect both hands immediately after work.
7. Measure body temperature every morning and evening.
8. Family members of poultry workers must also closely monitor their own health conditions.
9. Immediately wear a face mask, cease direct contact with poultry/birds and seek medical assistance when fever, sore throat, coughing and other flu-like symptoms occur or when eyes show signs of inflammation or irritation. The healthcare provider must be notified about the patient’s profession and nature of job.

最後更新日期 2012/11/6