Avian influenza outbreak exercise: evaluation

4. Annex A: Action Points

4.1 Lesson Identified 1

We are to outline to industry what information would be required to allow a hatchery to operate while other parts of the business were under restrictions, what restrictions would be applied in a hatchery in the event of an AI outbreak and what steps need to be undertaken in order that a hatchery may become designated.

Owner: Scottish Government.

4.2 Lesson Identified 2

Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) to arrange annual contingency visits to a hatchery by field epidemiology investigators to allow better understanding of operations. This should facilitate the development of a smooth process and define clear roles and responsibilities between APHA and Producers.

Owner: APHA.

4.3 Lesson Identified 3

Scottish Government and Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) to work with producers to impress upon them the importance of prompt and accurate record routine record keeping.

Owner: APHA.

4.4 Lesson Identified 4

A detailed protocol with clear roles and responsibilities for each organisation namely, us, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) and the producer should be identified. This should include identifying key points of contact taking staff rotation and rest periods into account. This should be used during an outbreak to update the producer on timings for receipt of licences.

Owner: APHA.

4.5 Lesson Identified 5

We, the other GB policy administrations and Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) work together to develop and improve template Veterinary Risk Assessments to facilitate the production of an 'off the shelf library of risk assessments and their corresponding template movement licences' which would be suitable for all administrations once adapted to meet specific legislative requirements.

Owner: Scottish Government.

4.6 Lesson Identified 6

Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) and Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) should work together to produce guidance on the safe movement and disposal of licensed litter and manure off sites in infected zones.

Owner: SEPA.

4.7 Lesson Identified 7

Through early engagement with Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) and Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA), individual producers should identify potential location on and off site where used litter, manure and wastewater could be stored for long periods as part of their own contingency planning for disease outbreaks.

Owner: APHA.

4.8 Lesson Identified 8

Scottish Government, Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) and Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) to collaborate on the production of guidance that could be used to assist in the identification of areas suitable for the litter to be moved for storage so as to prevent leakage. To facilitate this, suitable methods of transportation also needed to be identified.

Owner: SEPA.

4.9 Lesson Identified 9

Clear guidance was required from Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) detailing at what point wash water could be safely spread onto land and what treatment would allow this.

Owner: SEPA.

4.10 Lesson Identified 10

We and Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) to consider the viability of alternative methods as part of the cleansing and disinfection process i.e.: heat treatment, dry cleaning and UV treatment.

Owner: Scottish Government.

4.11 Lesson Identified 11

Occupational Health advisers in Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) to identify the basis for allocating antivirals.

Owner: APHA

4.12 Lesson Identified 12

We are to remind industry of their requirement to have a system in place with their local NHS board regarding accessing antivirals for their staff.

Owner: Scottish Government.

4.13 Lesson Identified 13

Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) to look at the engaging with any producers where they have been made aware of substandard biosecurity practices.

Owner: APHA.