Is EPA working with other government agencies to address pandemic issues?

Answer:

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is coordinating with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the U.S. Department of the Interior, and other Federal agencies, as well as State agriculture departments on many fronts, including technical and operational issues (communications, disinfection, carcass disposal, and resource planning) and authorities for actions and decisions. EPA also continues to communicate with professional associations, the poultry industry, and the disinfectant product manufacturers.

EPA, for example, is collaborating with USDA on developing an additional protocol for testing the effectiveness of some common chemicals such as soap and detergents against avian influenza viruses on different types of surfaces. EPA is also working with State agencies on their response plans and is sharing technical information so that decision-makers are better informed. Finally, EPA’s National Homeland Security Research Center is conducting research to address some of the key issues pertaining to inactivation of H5N1 avian influenza virus.

Related Federal Planning Roles Questions

• What is the role of the Defense Department in dealing with avian influenza?
• What is the Department of the Interior’s (DOI) responsibility in investigating and handling avian influenza issues?
• Which bureaus in the Department of the Interior (DOI) have roles in efforts related to avian influenza?
• What is the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s role in granting permits for research and control activities, and for sampling for the virus in wild birds?
• What are EPA roles in a pandemic?
• What are the EPA roles in poultry facility and equipment decontamination?
• What Federal agencies have a role in poultry carcass disposal?
• 
  
• All Planning & Response Questions
• Frequent Questions Home

Last Updated: 05/23/2007