Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
06SANTIAGO386
2006-02-22 22:49:00
UNCLASSIFIED
Embassy Santiago
Cable title:  

CHILE: WILD BIRD IMPORT BAN ANNOUNCED

Tags:  KSCA EAGR SENV TBIO KFLU CI AVIAN FLU 
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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

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