Network to prepare for bird flu outbreaks Japan

Main Category: Bird Flu / Avian Flu
Also Included In: Flu / Cold / SARS
Article Date: 10 Apr 2004 - 0:00 PDT

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Japan - An association of about 900 firms specializing in sanitation and pest control will establish teams at its branches around Japan by next spring to tackle any future outbreaks of infectious diseases such as bird flu.

The Kyoto Prefecture branch of the Japan Pest Control Association was engaged in disinfecting Asada Nosan's Funai Farm. The outbreak of bird flu at the farm led to the arrest of its president on suspicion of violating the Domestic Animal Infectious Diseases Control Law.

The Tokyo-based association learned a lesson from the difficult, unprecedented disinfection work, which it completed Friday, and intends to use it to prepare for any future outbreak.

After being asked by Kyoto Prefecture to disinfect the farm, the association asked for the cooperation of 16 branch members. The branches then canceled their existing business schedules, with about 400 workers taking part in the disinfection operation over 12 days.

All farm buildings, including 10 poultry houses, were disinfected three times, as stipulated under the central government's epidemic prevention guidelines. The total area disinfected was about 20,000 square meters, or about 1.5 times the area of Hanshin Koshien Stadium.

The operation, however, entailed dangers.

As the slaked lime used to seal chicken droppings becomes hot when it reacts with water, it was covered by waterproof sheets in an attempt to prevent accidents. However, some of the slaked lime that had been spread on parts of the chicken sheds was blown into the air by high pressure sprays used to apply disinfectant to the sheds. In some cases, the lime then worked its way through the workers' protective clothing, and reacted with their sweat to burn their skin.

Based on this experience, the new squads will use improved protective gear. They also will offer courses on viruses and contagious disease with a view to helping stop outbreaks before they occur.

From:
http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/main/main-e.htm

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