WASHINGTON, D.C. — In its continuing efforts to prepare the U.S. for and protect it from the highly pathogenic H5N1 Avian Influenza (AI), USDA has focused its efforts on four key areas:
- International: USDA signed an agreement with the United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organization to coordinate technical assistance in agriculture issues including AI; hosted an international workshop for volunteers from more than 15 countries on rapid deployment to combat AI; and is developing educational materials on AI issues.
- Wild Bird Monitoring: Last year, more than 100,000 wild bird samples from all 50 states were collected and tested with only 16 found to be presumptive positive for low pathogenic H5N1, and six confirmed positive.
- Domestic Monitoring: USDA is combating illegal importation of pet birds, poultry and poultry products; has expanded its AI testing of commercial poultry flocks and live bird marketing surveillance; and has developed an industry-driven monitoring plan, in which 98 percent of U.S. broiler production is tested before slaughter.
- Research: The University of Alaska completed a seven-year study of AI in 8,254 waterfowl and shorebirds in Alaska, where Asian and North American birds meet. The study concluded that risk of AI introduction through migratory birds in this region is relatively low.
More information is available at www.usda.gov/birdflu, www.doi.gov/issues/avianflu and www.avianflu.gov.