October 17, 2005

US poultry industry prepares against bird flu
 

The US poultry industry said it was making preparations against bird flu through strict bio-security measures. According to American poultry giant Tyson Foods, its chickens scheduled for processing were housed in modern, enclosed facilities, which prevented contact with wild birds and other potential carriers of disease.

Arkansas State, the second largest chicken producer in the US, had an output of 1.2 billion broilers in 2004, according to the USDA. Local authorities said preparations were underway, with poultry houses monitored for the disease and diagnostic tests conducted. 

The USDA said the country's main safeguard in preventing the deadly H5N1 strain from entering its borders was trade restrictions. The USDA also urged backyard poultry farmers to practice bio-security measures and be alert for bird flu symptoms in birds, which included sudden death, lowered egg production, nasal discharge and sneezing.

Meanwhile, industry reports said most Americans did not normally come into contact with live poultry, and properly cooked food should be safe from the virus.