USDA amends regulations for poultry imports from regions with highly pathogenic avian influenza

USDA amends regulations for poultry imports from regions with highly pathogenic avian influenza USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service has issued its final rule that amends regulation on the importation of poultry and poultry products from regions where there is believed to be highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI).

The rule, which amends the interim rule made effective in 2011, now allows for the importation of live AI-vaccinated zoological birds and poultry and the importation of HPAI-resistant pigeons, doves, and other Columbiform species under certain specific conditions to minimize disease risk. According to USDA, the rule will also allow avian carcasses and products imported as trophies to move to establishments approved to treat them for HPAI.

The 2011 interim rule prohibited the importation of poultry and products from regions with HPAI and placed restrictions on the import of birds that were moved through these regions.

Jeremy Gerrard was Food Engineering's Digital/Online Editor. He is a graduate of Auburn University with a degree in journalism. His previous work experience includes years spent as a reporter with the Daily Local News out of Chester County, PA. In addition to writing feature articles for Food Engineering, Jeremy covered the Dry Processing, Field Reports and People and Industry news sections.