Speeches and Articles by Former Consul General James R. Keith

Statement by Consul General James Keith on Suspected Avian Flu in the State of Delaware

News Release
February 9, 2004
Monday

The United States Government appreciates the close and cooperative working relationship with Hong Kong on all aspects of the regional outbreak of avian flu. We have high regard for Hong Kong's highly professional and proactive approach to the control of this disease and recognize that Hong Kong has learned by difficult experience since 1997 how to confront high-pathogenic avian influenza. It is a leader in the region's fight against avian flu.

The National Veterinary Service Laboratory in the United States is currently performing tests on samples of a presumptive positive case of low-pathogenic H7 avian influenza in one flock in the state of Delaware reported February 6. Test results are expected Monday or Tuesday U.S. time. The samples originated from a single, small flock with links to the New York City live bird market. The farm where the case was found does not export poultry overseas. Officials have already quarantined the affected premises and begun the eradication of 12,000 domestic birds within a 2-mile radius of the farm.

As soon as confirmed test results become available, we will communicate with our international trading partners to meet all obligations in our international agreements. The epidemiological evidence at the farm indicates that it is a low-pathogenic case of avian influenza. The low-pathogenic strain is different from the one currently of concern in Asia and poses no threat to human health.

We have a comprehensive surveillance program in the United States, which involves extensive training and surveillance from the national down to the individual farm level. Farmers have been trained to detect and report any changes in poultry behavior or increased mortality that might arise in flocks. Every indication thus far is that the incident in Delaware is an isolated one.

The United States Government remains committed to the safety of all our food exports to Hong Kong. We will continue to work closely with the Hong Kong government to ensure that every reasonable precaution is in place to prevent the spread of any disease through our bilateral trade.

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