Climate

"From Shed to Chedd" – Protecting Workers Dealing with Avian Influenza Outbreak

Case Study 17

Effective response to animal disease outbreaks in the UK


In response to the unprecedented 2021–2022 outbreak of the highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza (AI) in England and Wales, culled birds from infected poultry farms were safely transported and disposed of at several rendering plants across England.

The health protection authorities worked with several rendering companies to coordinate the culls in the poultry sheds with transport of the carcasses to the rendering sites for disposal, such as at Advanced Proteins in Cheddleton, Staffordshire — i.e. "from Shed to Chedd".

"Systems and procedures have evolved with experience over the years in dealing with AI outbreaks and has led to a refined approach to risk assessment for rendering workers based on their occupational role."

In AI outbreaks such as this, the culls are undertaken by the health authorities and the carcasses are securely transported to the rendering sites in accordance with the rules of the authorities. Local incident management teams mounted a comprehensive response geared at preventing transmission to humans involved in the culling, transport and rendering process.

At Cheddleton, over 70 personnel were identified as being a part of the disease control operation and risk assessments were undertaken using the health authority guidance to ensure they were safe.

Staff Involved

Truck Drivers

Maintenance / Electrical Team

Process Operatives

Floor Managers

Animal Welfare Staff on Site

Precautionary Safety Measures

PPE

Personal Protective Equipment for all personnel with potential exposure

Consent & Information

Interview, gain consent, provide verbal and written information

Antiviral Chemoprophylaxis

Oseltamivir administered as a precautionary measure

Seasonal Flu Vaccination

Mobilisation of primary care team to undertake vaccination clinics at the plant

Health Monitoring

Health status monitoring for 14 days post last potential exposure

Hospital Admission Agreement

Precautionary agreement with local acute trust and serological investigation

Avian Influenza PPE Requirements

Outcomes & Conclusions

The outbreak attracted considerable national interest and the multi-agency local health protection response was timely and robust in achieving immediate and sustainable use of PPE and antiviral prophylaxis for all with potential exposure.

High Vaccination Uptake

There was a high uptake of seasonal influenza vaccination among all personnel identified as part of the disease control operation.

Rapid Multi-Agency Deployment

It was reassuring to note that the local health community was able to rapidly deploy a multi-agency health protection team and provide substantial surge capacity.

Refined Risk Assessment

Systems and procedures have evolved with experience over the years in dealing with AI outbreaks, leading to a refined approach to risk assessment for rendering workers based on their occupational role.

Next: Case Study 18