October 28, 2005

Brazil takes anti-bird flu measures
 

Brazil's government said it was taking steps against bird flu to prevent it from entering its borders.

The government stated its concern over the occurrence of bird flu in a number of countries worldwide, and has started to establish a system to protect animal health. It added that there would be transparency in information about preventive measures.

Some precautionary measures would include suspending poultry imports from bird flu-hit countries, customs surveillance for the disease and preparing a national register of poultry producers.

Brazil would also monitor routes of migratory birds, adopt restriction of agricultural materials, particularly those that might pose as a bio-hazard, and promote public communication channels that allow notification on suspected cases of bird flu.

The government was concerned over the bird flu situation worldwide, as Brazil's poultry sector contributed substantially to the country's economy. As of September 2005, Brazil has already exported about US$2 billion worth of poultry products to 142 countries.