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The U.S. Department of Agriculture has released its 180-day
report on avian influenza efforts and the use of $91 million
appropriated in the Emergency Supplemental Appropriation
to Address Pandemic Influenza six months ago.
The report details USDA's efforts both internationally and
domestically to combat highly pathogenic H5N1 bird flu.
For a full copy of the report, click
here. Some highlights include:
- USDA is working closely
with international organizations to assist HPAI H5N1-affected
regions with disease prevention, management and eradication
activities.
- USDA continues to strengthen
safeguards already in place to protect against the introduction
of HPAI H5N1 into the United States. For example, USDA
maintains trade restrictions on the importation of poultry
and poultry products from regions currently affected
by H5N1 HPAI in commercial or traditionally raised flocks.
- USDA and state animal
health officials are working cooperatively with the
poultry industry to conduct surveillance of breeding
flocks, slaughter plants, live-bird markets, livestock
auctions and poultry dealers.
- USDA has implemented
a reporting system to answer calls and inquiries from
the public regarding dead or sick wild birds. The toll-free
number, 866-4 USDAWS, has been published on the USDA
Web site to support public inquiries and help expedite
calls.
- USDA is conducting AI
surveillance in wild migratory birds in Alaska and 10
other states. Initial AI screening tests are performed
by one of more than 45 USDA approved laboratories in
the National Animal Health Laboratory Network (NAHLN).
In the case of wild bird samples, the U.S. Department
of the Interior's National Wildlife Health Center also
performs initial screening tests.
- USDA has developed the
National Avian Influenza Response Plan to ensure a quick
and decisive response when any surveillance system detects
any serious poultry disease. In May, USDA's Draft Summary
of the National Avian Influenza Response Plan was posted
on the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service Web
site for review and comment by federal, state and industry
leaders.
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