US Lacks Surveillance for Bird Flu in Poultry

In a thirty-eight page report from the inspector general, the US gets a failing grade in monitoring poultry for avian influenza. It says that the USDA relies to heavily on voluntary state and commercial programs to monitor and test the domestic and wild birds.

Iowa Sen. Tom Harkin, the top Democrat on the Agriculture Committee, said the audit was further proof USDA was not prepared for an outbreak of avian influenza.

"This report reiterates my concerns about USDA's preparedness plans in the event of a potential avian influenza outbreak, especially if a strain like H5N1 is found in the United States," said Harkin. "The federal government continues to push the responsibility of finding and responding to a possible outbreak of avian influenza on states."

Being their northern neighbours, I really hope that the US gets a plan together soon so that it does not create another way for infected birds to get into Canada.

Reuters

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US Lacks Surveillance for Bird Flu in Poultry

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