Q:

What procedures are in place regarding birds/poultry entering into the U.S.? Are they Quarantined and tested?

A:

Live birds are not allowed to enter the United States from countries that are considered affected with highly pathogenic avian influenza subtype H5N1 (Asian strain). The current list of countries considered affected is contained in the “Advisory” located on the Veterinary Services website. ( Veterinary Services on APHIS.gov ) Returning US-origin pet birds and performing birds from affected countries will be allowed to enter the US upon completion of a 30-day quarantine in one of the three USDA Quarantine Centers and a negative test result for H5N1.

Q:

What is the procedure for products that are not banned but are being imported?

A:

Live or fresh birds or poultry from H5N1 affected countries are prohibited entry into the U.S. Processed goods from H5N1 affected countries may enter the U.S. Entry requires a Veterinary Service permit and certification that specified risk mitigation measures to eliminate the disease have been performed. Other items such as poultry cages and used processing equipment must be cleaned and disinfected in the country of origin. These items are inspected by CBP Ag Specialists at the POEs. If contamination is suspected, the area Veterinary Regulatory Official is contacted and a determination is made to allow entry, or not.

Q:	What are poultry products?
A:	Poultry are domesticated birds used for food, primarily meat and eggs. Common poultry include chicken, turkey, duck, goose, Rock Cornish hen, guinea fowl and pheasant. Examples of poultry products include: meat (canned, cured and dried, cooked perishable, and fresh chilled or frozen), eggs, organs, feathers, blood, bones, hides, and feces).

Q:

What does render them non-infectious mean? How do we know they have been rendered non-infectious? Is there an international standard?

A:

To render non-infectious is to treat or process in some manner to disable the virus’ ability to infect a host and cause disease. This is accomplished by exposure to: chemicals, detergents, light, heat, UV-and other radiation extremes in humidity or PH (high basic or acidic conditions). These exposures may denature essential virus proteins, disrupt the integrity of the virus capsule (outer protective lipid layers), or destroy the virus’ RNA/DNA (genes or genetic material). Food-processing procedures include one or more of the above-mentioned exposures and thereby serve to inactivate any viruses present. Treatments and processed to inactivate viruses are evaluated for efficacy by responsible regulatory agencies such as USDA, EPA, and FDA. These agencies will prescribe certain treatment or processes to ensure virus inactivation. The regulated entity will perform the treatment or process, often under inspection, and provide necessary certification that they have been properly applied. We continue to seek information on international standards for food processing.

Q:	What are avian productsis that the same as poultry products?
A:	Avian products are a more inclusive than poultry products. Avian products include products derived from all bird species, both wild birds and poultry (domestic birds).

Q:

Are any live birds allowed to be released at the Port Of Entry without the 30 day quarantine, specifically in Canada?

A:

Live birds from countries other than Canada cannot be released without USDA consent, and only after a 30 day quarantine with no signs of disease. Live poultry or commercial birds imported from Canada are not required to be quarantined. However, a veterinary health certificate issued within 30 days of importation and endorsed by a full-time salaried veterinarian of the Canadian government must accompany commercial bird shipments. A USDA veterinarian at the first U.S. port of entry must inspect commercial birds from Canada. An import permit is not required for live poultry or commercial birds imported from Canada through a U.S.-Canadian land border port. However, if commercial birds enter the United States through an airport, an import permit is required. ( VS Form17-129 ) Live poultry or commercial birds from quarantined farms in British Columbia are prohibited enter into the U.S. Pet birds imported from Canada through any of the designated U.S.-Canadian land border ports are subject to veterinary inspection at the port of entry. The importer must contact the port at least 3 to 5 days prior to entry in order to assure the availability of a port veterinarian. Upon veterinary inspection at the port of entry, the birds must be found free of clinical signs of communicable diseases of birds and poultry. The owner must sign a declaration stating that the birds are healthy and have been in his or her possession for a minimum of 90 days preceding the date of importation, and that during such time, the birds have not been in contact with poultry or other birds (i.e., in association with other avian species at exhibitions or in aviaries). Those importing pet birds into the United States from Canada by air or by boat are required to have a USDA import permit although a veterinary health certificate is not required. ( VS Form17-129 ) A USDA veterinarian at the air or ocean port of entry, as described above must also inspect these birds.

Q:	Does the 30 days pertain to birds identified by vessel crewmembers? Are we enforcing that requirement? If not why not… is there an exemption?
A:	Pet birds on vessels must remain on the vessel, below deck, and caged within the cabins. CBP enforces this requirement. The vessel captain must attest to this in writing on the inspection form.

Q:

If migratory birds in a particular country (Germany/Italy/Austria) are found infected with H5N1 are poultry products banned from that country?

A:

Presently, the discoveries of H5N1 in Germany, Italy, and Austria are limited to migratory birds. USDA does not change requirements for poultry imports based on the presence of H5N1 in wild bird populations. USDA will change the disease status of a country and issue a corresponding import ban should H5N1 be found in a country’s poultry. USDA will monitor these situations and act upon an official declaration from these countries that H5N1 has infected its poultry.