Avian Influenza Quarantine Lifted; Black Market Birds;

UNCLAS GUANGZHOU 001108 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 Quarantine Lifted; Black Market Birds; Vaccinations in Parks REF: A. Guangzhou 1048; B. Hong Kong 2443; C. Guangzhou 1070; D. Guangzhou 1075 ¶1. (U) Summary: Guangzhou's Panyu District Government lifted a 21-day quarantine of the area recently affected by an outbreak of avian influenza (AI). Before it was lifted, Consulate staff saw a few farmers illegally selling birds in the quarantine area. Media reports indicate that the Guangzhou Municipal Government has stepped up efforts to vaccinate wild birds in parks, zoos, and mountainous areas most visited by migratory birds. End summary. -------------- Quarantine Lifted -------------- ¶2. (SBU) Flu antibody samples taken October 7 and 8 from birds in the area affected by the recent outbreak have come back negative according to Yu Yedong, Director of the Guangdong Provincial Veterinary Station of Epidemic Prevention and Supervision. In response, Panyu District authorities lifted the 21-day quarantine on October 9. The quarantine had affected 68 poultry and live-animal (or "wet") markets. ¶3. (U) After further analysis, the National Avian Influenza Reference Lab reported on September 24 that the virus sample from the infection site showed no signs of mutation, and that current vaccines remain effective. In an effort to explain why the latest outbreak infected ducks, which are normally only carriers of the virus, some experts speculated that it was caused by farmers changing the water in ponds, drawing water from nearby rivers that may have been contaminated by local chicken farms. -------------- Black Market Birds -------------- ¶4. (U) During a visit while the quarantine was still in effect, stalls in most affected poultry markets were empty and had clearly been disinfected. However, Consulate staff found a few farmers in one area market continued to illegally sell poultry, refusing to identify the origin of the birds. Poultry vendors throughout the quarantine zone told us that they had not received any subsidies or aid from government agencies to compensate them for revenue lost during the quarantine. -------------- Natural Habitat Vaccinations -------------- ¶5. (U) According to media reports, the Guangzhou Municipal Government has expanded its vaccination program to other bird habitats, including parks, zoos, and mountainous areas. Wild birds will be vaccinated in addition to domestic birds and other birds held in captivity. Officials in these locations must report daily to the city's Forestry Bureau regarding the welfare of their bird population. In addition, the government also plans to provide weekly disinfection of poultry markets and protective clothing for market staff. In one area park, officials report that they have vaccinated approximately 5,000 birds. The Guangzhou Zoo currently has a short-term goal of vaccinating 3,200 birds. GOLDBERG