Should the fire service take the lead against avian influenza?

摘要

To date, The US Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has overseen the culling of over 48 million chickens and turkeys in 2015 to fight the spread of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI). HPAI is of considerable concern to the poultry industry as it poses a significant threat to the entire poultry system, from producers to consumers. To lessen the impact of the disease, APHIS and animal health officials must rapidly quarantine and depopulate flocks on infected premises. The depopulation, disposal, cleaning and disinfecting process is time and resource intensive. However, it plays a vital role in limiting the spread and reinfection of flocks. As a result, communities should explore ways in which local resources can support these efforts. The fire service has many capabilities and expertise that could support the operational response. There are three areas are where the fire service can bring its collective expertise to the farm-specific operational environment.