The United States has imposed restrictions on the import of certain poultry and poultry products from Victoria, Australia, following the detection of a highly contagious strain of avian influenza in birds there. The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service of the U.S. Department of Agriculture stated, "The restrictions have been in place since May 22 and will continue until further notice." The department added that "unprocessed poultry products and other poultry items from Victoria, or transiting through it, will not be allowed entry into the United States."
The ban also includes imports of poultry and birds for commercial purposes, as well as game birds and hatching eggs. However, imports of pet birds and zoo birds may be allowed under an import permit, subject to a 30-day quarantine.
Last week, Australia reported its first human case of avian influenza in a child, who the authorities said "contracted the virus in India but has fully recovered." Meanwhile, a different, highly contagious strain was detected at an egg production farm. The avian influenza has transmitted to humans and other mammal species, including dairy cattle in the U.S. in March, raising concerns about its potential evolution into a virus that spreads among humans and could lead to a pandemic.
