[Federal Register Volume 71, Number 47 (Friday, March 10, 2006)]
[Notices]
[Pages 12361-12362]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E6-3430]


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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention


Amendment of February 4, 2004, Order To Embargo Birds and Bird 
Products Imported From Egypt

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 Service (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 within 
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 24, 2006, HHS/CDC added India to its embargo because of 
documentation of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 in poultry.
    Currently, HHS/CDC and USDA/APHIS bans cover birds and bird 
products from Cambodia, India, Indonesia, Japan, Kazakhstan, Laos, 
Malaysia, Nigeria, the People's Republic of China, Romania, Russia, 
South Korea, Thailand, Turkey, Ukraine, and Vietnam.
    On February 18, 2006, OIE reported confirmation of highly 
pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 in poultry in Egypt. USDA added Egypt 
to their ban on February 23, 2006. At this time, HHS/CDC is adding 
Egypt to its current embargo. This action is effective on February 27, 
2006, and will remain in effect until further notice.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION

Background

    On February 18, 2006, a reference laboratory confirmed the presence 
of highly pathogenic avian influenza (H5N1) in poultry in Egypt. Cities 
where infected birds have been confirmed include Cairo, Giza, Menia, 
Quena, Qauliubia, Behera, and Dakahlia.

[[Page 12362]]

    Introduction of birds infected with highly pathogenic avian 
influenza H5N1 into the United States could lead to outbreaks of 
disease 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 means 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 42 CFR 71.32(b), the February 4, 2004, HHS/
CDC is amending the order to add Egypt to the list of countries subject 
to the order's embargo of birds and products 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, and February 24, 2006 shall remain in effect until further 
notice.

    Dated: March 6, 2006.
Julie Louise Gerberding,
Director, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, U.S. Department 
of Health and Human Services.
[FR Doc. E6-3430 Filed 3-9-06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4163-18-P