By Jamie Martin
The US has implemented import limitations on poultry and egg products from Victoria, Australia, in response to bird flu detections. The ban, in effect since May 22nd, covers poultry, commercial birds, hatching eggs, and specific processed items.
This action comes after Australia reported its first human bird flu case in March. A child contracted the H5N1 strain from India but has since fully recovered. Additionally, Victorian poultry farms identified different bird flu strains (H7N3 and H7N9) during the same week.
Australian and US health authorities downplay the public health risk despite these developments. The US Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) clarifies that the restrictions only apply to Victoria and considers other Australian states bird flu-free.
While the US mainly imports Australian beef, goat, and lamb products, it prioritizes biosecurity with bird flu emerging globally. The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) is expanding financial incentives for US dairy farmers who adopt biosecurity plans and enhance testing to address the recent bird flu outbreak affecting cattle.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-chubarovy
Categories: National