U.S. Imposes Temporary Import Ban on Certain Birds and Bird Products from 8 Southeast Asian Countries Due to Avian Flu
The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) have issued a press release announcing a temporary ban on the importation of certain birds and bird products from eight Southeast Asian countries in order to protect poultry and humans in the U.S. from the possible spread of avian influenza (flu).
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Ban on certain birds and bird products is effective immediately. The press release states that this temporary ban, which is effective immediately, applies to certain birds and bird products from the following countries: Cambodia, Indonesia, Japan, Laos, the People's Republic of China (including Hong Kong), South Korea, Thailand, and Vietnam.
Excluded from the ban are bird products processed to render them noninfectious. The press release further notes that processed avian products from these countries must have an import permit and government certification of treatment.
(According to the press release, because the eight countries affected with the H5N1 subtype of avian influenza are not recognized as free of exotic Newcastle disease (END), poultry, pet birds and avian products from these countries were already subject to permitting requirements, and live birds and hatching eggs were required to be quarantined for 30 days after entry into the U.S. During the quarantine period, tests were conducted for both avian influenza and END.)
Returning pet and performing birds of U.S. origin now require permit and quarantine. Pet and performing birds of U.S. origin returning from Southeast Asia will be allowed to return to the U.S. with a permit and a 30-day quarantine in a USDA facility. (These birds were previously allowed to be quarantined at home.)
Temporary ban to be reviewed as more information becomes available. The press release states that the temporary ban will be reviewed as more information on the situation in Southeast Asia becomes available.
Press release (dated 02/04/04) available at http://www.usda.gov/print/2004/0065.04.doc