Consultancy - Technical Assistance
BFC offers its field experience and knowledge to fill the potential gap between theory and practice.
BFC supports organisations in building knowledge and partnerships to improve the effectiveness of disease control operations.
We have built up an international track record in advising governments, veterinary authorities, NGO�s and commercial companies in preparing contingency plans for operations, both in preparation for and during outbreaks of avian influenza from the national level to the farm level.
BFC promotes the partnership required between veterinary and public health professionals, logistical and administrative officers, local authorities, commercial farmers and villagers during prevention and control activities. We have also developed outbreak management systems aimed at co-ordinating the tactical and operational response to outbreaks at a regional and local level.
BFC consultancy provides a unique service that can make the difference towards getting an initial outbreak under control within 48 hours.
Training
BFC provides training tailored to the needs of the client.
We are very aware that countries where AI outbreaks have occurred have built up a level of knowledge and experience that needs to be captured and built on in any further training programme. In addition, where appropriate, we have provided a modular approach to training.
Participants can learn specific field tasks based on their position in a team.
For example most participants will need to learn the proper use of personnel protection equipment, but only a limited group need to learn veterinary diagnostic techniques or field operation control. These activities are built into workshops where participants learn to interact effectively with operational partners, before progressing to a full scale outbreak simulation exercises involving veterinarians, public health personnel, and emergency response specialists.
Research
BCF technical experts have invested a great deal of time researching depopulation systems and strategies.
Examination of those used in recent poultry disease outbreaks, both in commercial and backyard poultry has not always been acceptable. This has lead us to propose new and improved techniques and procedures for the emergency slaughter of poultry. These techniques address the following BFC criteria:
- Improve animal welfare using solutions that are simple to implement.
- Reduce the potential human contact with AI virus.
- Optimise the resources, both physical and financial, required for disease control operations.
We are pursuing the implementation of these systems directly through training and also engaged in further development in collaboration with scientists and the commercial sector.