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