October 27, 2005

 

USDA to intensify bird flu testing on migratory birds

 

The USDA said it would intensify bird flu testing on migratory birds, as a precautionary measure against the disease.

 

While the highly pathogenic H5N1 strain had already been detected in some European countries, no cases have been reported in the US so far.

 

The US led in world production and export of poultry meat, with about US$23 billion worth of chickens, turkeys and ducks produced each year.

 

The USDA has already been testing some chicken flocks on American farms, as well as migratory birds in Alaska to detect the virus.

 

More extensive testing was planned for 2006 covering flyways where migratory birds entered the US, the government said. But officials did not mention how many birds would be tested or where.

 

Meanwhile, head of the USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Ron DeHaven, said detection of H5N1 in migratory birds did not confirm the disease's spread to commercial poultry farms, although it was a good early warning signal.

 

The World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) has said trade restrictions should not be imposed if bird flu was found in an area separate from commercial poultry, such as migratory birds.

 

The USDA estimated about 5.4 billion pounds of US chicken meat would be exported in 2005.

 

Over 40,000 private veterinarians nationwide have been put on alert for bird flu in domestic poultry, to watch out for the deadly H5N1 strain, the USDA added.

 

Other precautionary measures included banning imports of live birds and eggs from bird flu-hit countries, and mandatory quarantine and testing for all imported birds.

 

In addition, a ready supply of bird flu vaccines for poultry was already available to create a buffer zone if the disease was ever found within US borders, the USDA said.