February 10, 2004

 

 

US Slams Asian Ban On American Poultry

 

The United States slammed a decision by several Asian nations to ban American poultry after the deadly bird flu virus was detected on a chicken farm in Delaware.

 

Japan, Malaysia and Singapore joined South Korea in banning all poultry imports from the United States over the weekend, while Hong Kong suspended imports from the affected state only.

 

The infected flock of about 12,000 birds - all destroyed Saturday morning - belonged to a private farmer in Delaware who sold chickens in live markets in New York city.

 

Japan and South Korea say they are awaiting further information on the U.S. outbreak before deciding whether to lift the ban.

 

Delaware's agriculture secretary said Sunday the Japanese and South Korean bans on U.S. poultry were "unfortunate" because the bird flu virus found on the farm is contained and does not infect humans.

 

"I understand the concern because of what's taking place in other parts of the world, especially in Asia," Secretary Michael Scuse said.

 

"It's unfortunate that our trading partners would take this stance."

 

About 10 percent of all of Japan's poultry imports come from the United States, while for South Korea it is close to 50 percent.

 

Much of that chicken comes from the multi-billion dollar industry on the Delmarva peninsula shared by Delaware, Maryland and Virginia.

 

While Scuse said he was "fairly confident" the virus had not spread, flocks within a two-mile radius of the infected farm were being tested, with results due as early as Monday.

 

A thorough investigation is being carried out to see how the chickens got bird flu. Outbreaks in the Delmarva area are uncommon but not unheard of, according to Scuse. This case is the second in 10 years for Delaware.

 

U.S. authorities said the H7 strain of bird flu found on a private farm in Delaware's south does not infect humans.

 

The H5N1 strain of bird flu, on the other hand, has killed at least 18 people in Thailand and Vietnam, and forced the slaughter of tens of millions of chickens across Asia.