August 25, 2004

US Claims Its Poultry Now Free Of Bird Flu

The USA has claimed that its poultry is now completely free of bird flu, according to the Office International des Epizooties (OIE), the world animal health organisation.

The country's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service says that the outbreak in Texas has been "completely eradicated". Bird flu had been found in a non-commercial flock and two live bird markets in April.

The US said that in the six months following the detection and eradication of the virus, as well as the cleaning and disinfection of affected premises, "targeted and extensive surveillance has not detected any further evidence of the virus".

Quarantine orders controlling the outbreak have now been lifted.