Avian Influenza Update: No Additional Culling Expected.

UNCLAS GUANGZHOU 001075 SIPDIS SENSITIVE SIPDIS STATE FOR EAP/CM, AIAG, OES/IHA, MED STATE PASS TO USAID FOR ANE AND GH CDC FOR OGHA AND DIV-FLU DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE FOR OSD/ISA/AP HHS PASS TO FIC/NIH USDA PASS TO APHIS, FAS (OSTA AND OCRA),FSIS BANGKOK FOR RMO, CDC, USAID BEIJING FOR HHS HEALTH ATTACHE AND RMO PHNOM PENH FOR CDC INFLUENZA COORDINATOR VIENTIANE FOR CDC INFLUENZA COORDINATOR E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: TBIO AMED AMGT CASC EAGR PINR KFLU CH SUBJECT: Avian Influenza Update: No Additional Culling Expected. REF: A. Guangzhou 1048; B. Hong Kong 2443; C. Guangzhou 1070 ¶1. (SBU) In a September 21 meeting with Congenoff, Vice Director Chen Heqing of the Guangdong Province Department of Agriculture's Division of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Economy said there are no plans to cull additional fowl after the recent avian influenza outbreak in Guangzhou's Panyu District. He also explained that the suspension of area poultry markets applied only the suspension of sales of local meat. Outside poultry and fowl have been delivered to the area to meet local food demand and maintain social stability. ¶2. (SBU) Chen said that an increased number of migratory birds are expected to arrive in South China in the coming months, raising the risk of additional outbreaks. He stated that a surveillance and monitoring network had been established to address this increased risk. GOLDBERG