Avian Influenza / Bird Flu

(WHO Regional Office for the Western Pacific, Manila, 26 January 2004)

1. Cullers and transporters should be provided with appropriate personal protective equipment:

Protective clothing, preferably coveralls plus an impermeable apron or surgical gowns with long cuffed sleeves plus an impermeable apron.

Heavy duty rubber work gloves that may be disinfected.

N95 respirator masks are preferred1. Standard well-fitted surgical masks should be used if N95 respirators are not available2.

Goggles.

Rubber or polyurethane boots that can be disinfected or protective foot covers that can be discarded. 

2. All persons who have been in close contact with the infected animals should wash their hands frequently with soap and water. Cullers and transporters should disinfect their hands after the operation.

3. Environmental clean up should be carried out in areas of culling, using the same protective measures as above.