APHIS initiates avian influenza prevention program

Food & Drink Weekly, May 17, 2004

APHIS initiates avian influenza prevention program: USDA's Animal & Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has received $13.7 million to develop a national low pathogenic avian influenza (LPAI) control and prevention program and to create a set of standards for states to use in ensuring live bird markets are regulated in a uniform fashion.

Once introduced, LPAI can spread from bird to bird by direct contact. Avian influenza viruses also can be spread by manure, equipment, vehicles, egg flats, crates and people whose clothing or shoes have come in contact with the virus. According to USDA, one gram of contaminated manure has the potential to infect 1 million birds. Meanwhile, The Associated Press reports that Canadian animal health officials have found a new strain of avian influenza in British Columbia that is different from anything seen in the area before. Scientists cannot rule out the possibility the strain is the one responsible for the recent deaths of people in Asia, but they urged residents not to panic.