Is there a risk in handling bird products that come from countries experiencing outbreaks of avian influenza A (H5N1)?

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Answer:

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) maintains trade restrictions on the importation of poultry and poultry products from countries and/or regions where the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 strain has been detected in commercial or traditionally raised poultry (not in wild or migratory birds). The regulation states that no person may import or attempt to import any birds (Class Aves), whether dead or alive, or any products derived from birds (including hatching eggs), from the countries listed on the following USDA Web site http://www.aphis.usda.gov/import_export/animals/com_birds.shtml. This Web site is updated frequently.

This prohibition does not apply to any person who imports or attempts to import products derived from birds if, as determined by federal officials, such products have been properly processed to render them noninfectious so that they pose no risk of transmitting or carrying H5N1 and which comply with USDA regulations. Therefore, the importation of commercial shipments of raw bulk feathers from highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza affected countries must comply with USDA regulations to prevent the introduction and dissemination of HPAI H5N1 into the United States. These shipments are required to have a certificate of processing according to USDA regulations and an import permit.

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Last Updated: 04/04/2007