INDIA'S REQUEST FOR AVIAN INFLUENZA TECHNICAL

UNCLAS STATE 026012 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: EAGR ECON SENV TBIO KFLU XD IN SUBJECT: INDIA'S REQUEST FOR AVIAN INFLUENZA TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE REF: NEW DELHI 625 ¶1. Reftel conveyed the Government of India's request for technical cooperation with the USG in the following areas of avian influenza control: poultry depopulation technology, including a demonstration in India of U.S. foaming equipment for large-scale culling at commercial poultry farms; and cleaning and decontamination protocols for avian influenza-infected premises, including households where poultry and people share common spaces. ¶2. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) stands ready to cooperate with India in several ways. Specifically, USDA has experts available to demonstrate U.S. foaming equipment, to discuss other poultry depopulation methods, and to work with Indian counterparts to explore efficient and effective cleaning and decontamination methods appropriate for avian influenza-infected premises in India. USDA will also provide India with additional technical information to supplement documents previously provided. ¶3. USDA will contact Embassy New Delhi's Agriculture Attache to finalize plans with Indian counterparts to implement technical assistance. The point of contact at USDA Washington is Dr. Joseph Annelli (Joseph.F.Annelli@aphis.usda.gov). ¶4. On poultry depopulation, the expert who will conduct the demonstration of foaming equipment has an Indian visa. He can travel to India as soon as local authorities agree. Please note, it is very important that the GOI allow importation of the foaming equipment into India withiout any bureaucratic impediments by customs or other officials. ¶5. On cleaning and decontamination, the expert who will assist India with cleaning and decontimination protocols is currently obtaining an Indian visa for travel. Rice ## RICE