US Places Limits on Poultry Imports from Australian State After Bird Flu Scare
Following the discovery of bird flu on two Victorian properties, the United States has imposed restrictions on the import of poultry, birds, and unprocessed avian products due to outbreaks in Victoria. This decision came after bird flu was identified at two separate farms in regional Victoria, resulting in the euthanization of hundreds of thousands of birds. Additionally, a human case of H5N1 bird flu was reported in Victoria involving a child who had returned from India.
The U.S. Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) issued an import alert backdated to May 22, which will remain in effect until further notice for Victoria. The restriction encompasses commercial birds, ratites, avian hatching eggs, poultry, unprocessed avian products and byproducts, and specific fresh poultry products from the state of Victoria, Australia. The alert states that the importation of these commodities is prohibited due to the presence of highly pathogenic avian influenza in domestic birds.
Furthermore, the notice emphasizes that unprocessed avian products and byproducts from Victoria are not allowed to enter the United States, but processed ones can be imported with the appropriate permit and treatment as per regulations. The importation of commercial birds is banned, except for pet and zoo birds, pigeons, and doves, which can be imported with a permit and undergo a 30-day quarantine at either the New York or Miami Animal Import Center.
These restrictions are limited to Victoria, and no other Australian states are affected. Additionally, movement controls and a “housing requirement” have been put in place for birds in Meredith and Terang due to the recent discovery of the H7N3 and H7N9 highly pathogenic avian influenza strains on properties in those regions.
In conclusion, it is important to follow the new restrictions and housing requirements to prevent the spread of avian influenza. While the risk of transmission remains present, efforts should be made to reduce direct contact between birds and wild carriers of the disease.