Emergency Management

Alberta Poultry Industry's Emergency Response Plan

Shortly after the 2004 Avian Influenza (AI) outbreak in BC, members from the poultry industry in Alberta realized the need for an emergency management plan. The development of this plan has been a coordinated effort from all facets of the poultry industry, including the four poultry boards, hatcheries, meat processors, egg processors, egg graders, the feed industry and government. Since the manual is a 'living document' it will be undated on an ongoing continuous basis. 

The purpose of the plan is to ensure industry input into poultry industry emergency planning and to provide direction for handling an emergency in the Alberta Poultry Industry. The manual provides information on technical, logistical and managerial resources that may be required in preparation and operation of poultry industry emergencies. 

Parts of the manual were considered to be very useful for producers; therefore, a "Pull Out" producer manual has been prepared as both a stand alone document and as part of the entire Emergency Management Manual. The producer directed section contains important information on:

  • Poultry diseases
  • Biosecurity
  • Preparedness information form
  • Producer self-quarantine protocol
  • Self-quarantine checklist
  • Actions when a diagnosis is confirmed
  • Mass carcass disposal
  • Procedures for cleaning and disinfection of premises (including a checklist) after a disease
  • Legislation and emergency plans relating to animal emergencies in Alberta

Producers are the industry?s first line of defence. A quick, appropriate response to an emergency on the farm can result in minimized spread of disease as well as a reduction of the impact to the affected producer(s) farm(s) and to the industry as a whole.

Also provided in the Emergency Manual are contacts for:

  • Provincial/Federal government and poultry diagnostic services
  • Local health authorities
  • Municipalities
  • Live haul truck washing facilities
  • Cleaning and restoration services
  • Sources of respiratory and biohazard gear
  • Security companies
  • RCMP detachments