[Federal Register Volume 71, Number 55 (Wednesday, March 22, 2006)]
[Notices]
[Pages 14532-14533]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 06-2767]


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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 Albania, Azerbaijan, Cameroon, and Myanmar

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 Services (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 with 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

[[Page 14533]]

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 22, 2006, HHS/CDC added India to 
its embargo because of documentation of highly pathogenic avian 
influenza H5N1 in poultry. On February 27, 2006, added Egypt to its 
embargo because of documentation of highly pathogenic avian influenza 
H5N1 in poultry. On March 2, 2006, CDC issued an amendment adding Niger 
to its embargo after H5N1 was confirmed in poultry.
    On February 24, 2006, OIE reported confirmation of highly 
pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 in poultry in Azerbaijan. On March 7, 
2006, OIE reported confirmation of highly pathogenic avian influenza 
H5N1 in poultry in Albania. On March 11, 2006, OIE reported 
confirmation of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 in poultry in 
Cameroon. On March 12, 2006, OIE reported confirmation of highly 
pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 in poultry in Myanmar. USDA/APHIS 
subsequently added Albania, Azerbaijan, Cameroon, and Myanmar to their 
ban. At this time, HHS/CDC is adding Albania, Azerbaijan, Cameroon, and 
Myanmar to its current embargo. This action is effective on March 15, 
2006, and will remain in effect until further notice.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

    On February 24, OIE reported laboratory confirmation of highly 
pathogenic avian influenza in poultry in Azerbaijan.
    On March 10, OIE reported laboratory confirmation of highly 
pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 in poultry in Albania in the village of 
Cuke, Sarande County (Viore State). The outbreak began on February 16, 
2006.
    An outbreak of avian influenza due to highly pathogenic virus H5N1 
was repoted in duck farms in Doualare area in Maroua, Cameroon. The 
outbreak began on February 21, 2006, and confirmation of infection was 
reported by OIE on March 12, 2006.
    An outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza subtype H5N1 was 
reported in poultry at Aung Myae Thar Zan Township, in Mandalay 
Division, Myanmar. The outbreak began on March 8, 2006, and 
confirmation of infection was reported by OIE on March 12, 2006.
    Introduction of birds infected with highly pathogenic avian 
influenza H5N1 into the United States could lead to outbreaks 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 menas 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 41 CFR 71.32(b), HHS/CDC is amending the 
February 4, 2004, order to add Albania, Azerbaijan, Cameroon, and 
Myanmar to the list of countries subject to the order's embargo of 
birds and productes 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, February 22, 
2006, February 27, 2006, and March 2, 2006 shall remain in effect until 
further notice.

    Dated: March 16, 2006.
Julie Louise Gerberding,
Director, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, U.S. Department 
of Health and Human Services.
[FR Doc. 06-2767 Filed 3-21-06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4163-18-M