What is the government doing to protect the U.S. food supply from avian influenza?

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Answer:

The likelihood of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 infected poultry entering the U.S. food supply is extremely low due to import restrictions, extensive avian influenza testing programs, and federal inspection programs.

The U.S. prohibits poultry and poultry products from regions where HPAI H5N1 has been detected in commercial or traditionally raised poultry and has increased monitoring for illegally smuggled poultry and poultry products. All live birds, including pet birds and live poultry, imported from approved countries (except Canada) are quarantined and tested.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) works with states and the poultry industry to monitor and test birds at commercial poultry farms and live bird markets. USDA food safety inspectors also monitor federally inspected poultry slaughter and processing facilities.

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Last Updated: 05/22/2007