06-2767. Amendment of February 4, 2004, Order To Embargo Birds and Bird Products Imported From Albania, Azerbaijan, Cameroon, and Myanmar

SUMMARY:

On February 4, 2004, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services issued an order to ban immediately the import of all birds (Class: Aves) from specified Southeast Asian countries, subject to limited exemptions for returning pet birds of U.S. origin and certain processed bird-derived products. HHS/CDC took this step because birds from these countries potentially can infect humans with avian influenza (influenza A/ [H5N1]). The February 4, 2004, order complemented a similar action taken at the same time by the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Services (APHIS) within the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).

On March 10, 2004, HHS/CDC lifted the embargo of birds and bird products from the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) because of the documented public-health and animal health measures taken by Hong Kong officials to prevent spread of the outbreak with the HKSAR, and the absence of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 cases in Hong Kong's domestic and wild bird populations. USDA/APHIS took a similar action. On September 28, 2004, HHS/CDC extended the embargo on birds and bird products to include Malaysia because of the documented cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza A H5N1 in poultry in Malaysia. On July 20, 2005, USDA/APHIS adopted as a final rule the interim rule that became effective on February 4, 2004, which amended its regulations to prohibit or restrict the importation of birds, poultry, and unprocessed birds and poultry products from regions that have reported the presence of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 in poultry. (See 70 Federal Register 41608 [July 20, 2005].) As the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization and the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) have confirmed additional cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza (H5N1), USDA/APHIS has added additional countries to its ban. On December 29, 2005, HHS/CDC added the Republic of Kazakhstan, Romania, the Russian Federation, the Republic of Turkey, and Ukraine to its current embargo because of documented cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 in poultry in those countries. On February 8, 2006, HHS/CDC added Nigeria to its embargo because of the documentation of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 in poultry. On February 22, 2006, HHS/CDC added India to its embargo because of documentation of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 in poultry. On February 27, 2006, added Egypt to its embargo because of documentation of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 in poultry. On March 2, 2006, CDC issued an amendment adding Niger to its embargo after H5N1 was confirmed in poultry.

On February 24, 2006, OIE reported confirmation of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 in poultry in Azerbaijan. On March 7, 2006, OIE reported confirmation of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 in poultry in Albania. On March 11, 2006, OIE reported confirmation of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 in poultry in Cameroon. On March 12, 2006, OIE reported confirmation of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 in poultry in Myanmar. USDA/APHIS subsequently added Albania, Azerbaijan, Cameroon, and Myanmar to their ban. At this time, HHS/CDC is adding Albania, Azerbaijan, Cameroon, and Myanmar to its current embargo. This action is effective on March 15, 2006, and will remain in effect until further notice.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

On February 24, OIE reported laboratory confirmation of highly pathogenic avian influenza in poultry in Azerbaijan.

On March 10, OIE reported laboratory confirmation of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 in poultry in Albania in the village of Cuke, Sarande County (Viore State). The outbreak began on February 16, 2006.

An outbreak of avian influenza due to highly pathogenic virus H5N1 was repoted in duck farms in Doualare area in Maroua, Cameroon. The outbreak began on February 21, 2006, and confirmation of infection was reported by OIE on March 12, 2006.

An outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza subtype H5N1 was reported in poultry at Aung Myae Thar Zan Township, in Mandalay Division, Myanmar. The outbreak began on March 8, 2006, and confirmation of infection was reported by OIE on March 12, 2006.

Introduction of birds infected with highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 into the United States could lead to outbreaks among birds and among the human population, a significant public health threat. Banning the importation of all avian species from affected countries is an effective menas of limiting this threat. HHS/CDC is therefore taking this action to reduce the chance of introduction or spread of influenza A H5N1 into the United States.

Immediate Action

Therefore, pursuant to 41 CFR 71.32(b), HHS/CDC is amending the February 4, 2004, order to add Albania, Azerbaijan, Cameroon, and Myanmar to the list of countries subject to the order's embargo of birds and productes derived from birds. All other portions of the February 4, 2004, order, as further amended on March 10, 2004, September 28, 2004, December 29, 2005, February 8, 2006, February 22, 2006, February 27, 2006, and March 2, 2006 shall remain in effect until further notice.

Dated: March 16, 2006.

Julie Louise Gerberding,

Director, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.