CDFA SECRETARY KAWAMURA TELLS OF PREPARATIONS
FOR H5N1 BIRD FLU IN CALIFORNIA
LOS ANGELES, March 30, 2006 - Speaking at Governor
Schwarzenegger's Pandemic Flu Summit today in Los Angeles, CDFA Secretary A.G.
Kawamura spoke of the agency's recent experience fighting a dangerous bird
disease and discussed widespread testing of birds in California as part of
CDFA's preparation for the possible arrival of H5N1 bird flu.
"In 2002, exotic Newcastle disease (END) was detected in
California, a highly contagious and fatal bird illness," said Secretary
Kawamura. "Working with our partner state agencies and the USDA, we were
able to eradicate the disease in 11 months, a much shorter time than
projections. The exotic Newcastle disease is similar in many ways to what we
would expect with a bird flu outbreak, and our response plan is virtually
identical."
CDFA established a statewide quarantine for END in 2002-2003,
and eradication costs totaled $151 million. More than 3 million birds were
euthanized.
After END was eradicated, CDFA and the USDA left an avian
health unit in place to distribute biosecurity information to bird owners and
also to test birds around the state for illnesses such as bird flu. Last year,
more than 100,000 birds were tested.
"We are testing live birds at places where they are
sold," said Secretary Kawamura. "Test results are known quickly enough
that we believe we can detect a bird flu outbreak rapidly. And that is critical
if we are to eradicate the disease quickly."
The California Department of Food and Agriculture protects and
promotes California's $31.8 billion agricultural industry. California's farmers
and ranchers produce a safe, secure supply of food, fiber and shelter; marketed
fairly for all Californians; and produced with responsible environmental
stewardship.
Media Contacts:
Steve Lyle, Office of Public Affairs, (916) 654-0462
For additional information on the California Department of
Food and Agriculture please visit our website at www.cdfa.ca.gov
