Press Release - March 7, 2004

Date:
March 8, 2004

Contact:
Robert Korb, Jr, CFI, CFPS - Deputy Fire Marshal
Phone: (410) 632-5666 Ext.4; Email: rkorb@co.worcester.md.us

SPECIAL HAZARDS RESPONSE TEAM DECONTAMINATES AVIAN FLU WORKERS

The Worcester County Special Hazards Response Team (SHRT) assisted Delmarva Poultry Industry (DPI) with the decontamination of over 40 workers who were depopulating chickens with the Avian Influenza virus in Pocomoke yesterday.

Seven SHRT members responded to the Pocomoke chicken farm Sunday morning to setup decontamination operations of the workers. The decontamination unit was used as a prevention method to eliminate the possibility of contamination to other farms.

At the first stage of the cleaning process workers were required to remove their shoes and socks and their feet were scrubbed with soap and water. They then entered the rear of the decontamination unit where they removed the remainder of their clothing and took a hot shower in one of the six stalls available. Once clean, the workers entered a redressing area in the front of the trailer and put on a clean Tyvec suit and booties. Once decontaminated they were transported by van to a nearby hotel where they were allowed to redress. All clothing was disposed of by DPI officials. The entire process took approximately four hours from setup to striking the scene.

More information can be found on the DPI website at http://www.dpichicken.com.

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For further information, the Worcester County Fire Marshal's Office can be reached by calling 410-632-5666 or on the web at www.wcfmo.org.

Scene Photographs
(By: Brian Winter - Hazmat / Code Enforcement Officer)