CHILE: WILD BIRD IMPORT BAN ANNOUNCED

UNCLAS SANTIAGO 000386 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: KSCA EAGR SENV TBIO KFLU CI AVIAN FLU SUBJECT: CHILE: WILD BIRD IMPORT BAN ANNOUNCED REF: 05 SANTIAGO 02393 ¶1. On February 22, the Government of Chile's Animal and Livestock Service (SAG - Servicio Agricola y Ganadero) announced a ban on the import of any type of wild bird, including pet birds, as a safety measure to prevent the introduction of avian influenza (AI) into Chile. Birds used for poultry or egg production from "authorized" poultry sources can continue to enter Chile, which has excellent AI screening facilities (reftel). SAG reports that 100,000 AI test samples have been taken in Chile and there is no sign of infected birds in the country. ¶2. Dr. Vanessa Max, Veterinary Epidemiologist with SAG's Import Unit, informed Embassy personnel that this was a temporary measure, applicable to wild birds from all countries. According to Max, this preventive action will allow SAG's Active Surveillance System to maintain the security of Chile's borders, while more information is gathered on the current international outbreaks. KELLY