Europe Joins Ban on U.S. Poultry

Joining other nations around the world, the European Union and South Korea banned the import of all U.S. poultry products following the outbreak of a strain of avian influenza in Texas.

"It is not as virulent as the outbreak in Asia, but nevertheless it's a highly contagious virus and therefore does require an immediate response from the EU," said EU Health and Consumer Affairs Commissioner David Byrne. "We want to ensure there is no risk posed."

Russia, America’s largest importer of poultry products, has only banned imports from states where avian influenza has been detected. However, it’s also contemplating an all-out ban on U.S. poultry. The Philippines also is considering a ban.

The Texas avian flu strain is not the same as the one in Asia linked with the deaths of at least 22 people. In fact, experts with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention believe it poses little threat to humans.

Two other strains of bird flu also have turned up in three other states this year. However, investigators doubt any link between these strains and the one detected in Texas. Moreover, they say neither of these two strains resembles the Asian avian flu strain that has affected humans.

Posted by Jim Langcuster at February 26, 2004 09:01 AM | TrackBack