U.S. Free of Avian Influenza Virus

August 27, 2004 -- The U.S. Department of Agriculture?s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) notified the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) this week that the United States is now free of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) according to the OIE definition. Countries that wish to have a disease status changed by OIE are required to notify that organization when the appropriate definition has been met.

According to John Clifford, USDA?s chief veterinarian, ?It is always a pleasure to be able to call the OIE and report that we?ve eradicated a disease in this country. The HPAI eradication project was such a success because of the cooperation between APHIS, state and local governments and the poultry industry.?

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