November 28, 2005

USDA issues anti-bird flu measures

US Agriculture Deputy Secretary Chuck Conner said the USDA has issued anti-bird flu measures to protect the country from highly pathogenic strains of the virus.

The USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) would work with states to monitor and respond to low pathogenic subtypes of bird flu, especially the H5 and H7 strains, as both have the potential to mutate into highly pathogenic strains. The highly pathogenic H5N1 strain has already claimed dozens of human lives in Asia.

APHIS also provided poultry producers with the latest information on bio-security, in a bid to encourage producers to report sick birds and prevent the disease's spread on the farm. Surveillance would also be stepped up at live bird markets.

Meanwhile, USDA would closely cooperate with the industry to randomly test commercial poultry, including those that appeared sick.

APHIS also maintained trade restrictions on imports of pet birds, poultry and poultry products from countries hit by H5N1 bird flu. All imported birds from affected countries would be quarantined and tested at an APHIS Animal Import Center for 30 days.

In addition, APHIS has kept a supply of bird flu vaccine for poultry that could be used to create a buffer around an infected area, should an outbreak occur there. This would help contain the disease while eradication measures are carried out.

APHIS has also formed a national network, including over 40,000 private veterinarians, who would report any suspected bird flu outbreaks to federal or state authorities.