December 28, 2006

USDA responds to consumer group concerns about AI

The USDA has responded formally to a campaign by the Organic Consumers Association, which criticised the department's approach to bird flu control.

The Organic Consumers Association issued an alert to readers of "Organic Bytes", pointing out flaws in the USDA's Animal Plant Health Inspection Service's draft response plan to deal with an outbreak of avian influenza in the US.

According to the OAC, the plan did not acknowledge the risk posed by  factory-farm poultry industry practices in the emergence and spread of  highly-pathogenic avian influenza; did not address what would be done to protect free-range, organic and family farmers; and lacked adequate protective measures for farm workers and contract growers.

The USDA however, brushed the allegation aside saying its systems were in place to deal with the concerns raised.

It pointed out that the department was working closely with the commercial poultry industry to promote safe biosecurity practices to prevent or limit disease spread.

Further, the department examines all possible risk factors for disease spread present in both commercial and  non-commercial poultry operations, including extensive poultry testing  through the National Poultry Improvement Plan, the response said.

In regard to providing safety or protective equipment for farm workers or contract growers, the USDA defers to the expertise of the US Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). The latter on Nov 14 issued new guidance on protecting employees against HPAI H5N1, the department response clarified.