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CANADA IMPLEMENTS TEMPORARY IMPORT RESTRICTIONS ON POULTRY AND POULTRY PRODUCTS FROM TEXAS

• On April 6th, 2004, the CFIA removed all import restrictions related to highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) from the State of Texas.

OTTAWA, February 23, 2004 - The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) today announced temporary import restrictions on live poultry and poultry products from Texas. The restrictions are being introduced as a precautionary measure following the confirmation of highly pathogenic avian influenza in the state.

The specific subtype of the virus is not the same as the form currently present in Asia. Nevertheless, standard Canadian import policies prohibit the importation of at-risk commodities from any region where highly pathogenic avian influenza has been detected. This measure is consistent with internationally accepted animal disease standards.

The disease has been detected on one farm. Information from U.S. authorities indicates that no live poultry or poultry products have been exported from this establishment to Canada. Work is underway to determine whether Canada has imported any potentially affected commodities from any other establishments in Texas.

The CFIA has alerted the Canadian Border Services Agency to refuse entry into Canada of any affected commodities. As well, Canadian officials have asked the U.S. to voluntarily withhold any further export certification of these commodities to minimize the amount of product sent to the border.

As a regular practice Canada requires all imports of live poultry from the U.S. to be certified as free from clinical signs of communicable diseases within 30 days before being imported. The interim import restrictions announced today are an added safeguard intended to protect animal and human health while the U.S. administers its epidemiological investigation and trace-out activities. Canadian animal health experts are in close contact with their American counterparts to monitor the situation. Canada will re-assess the measures once additional information becomes available.

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• On April 6th, 2004, the CFIA removed all import restrictions related to highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) from the State of Texas.