March 5, 2004

Subject: Foreign Bans on the Importation of Birds-Avian Flu

Background: Due to avian flu outbreaks in the United States, many countries have prohibited the import of birds from the United States, including pet birds, eggs, meat and meat products, and other bird parts and products.

Action: U.S. exporters of birds and bird parts and products should contact the foreign country that you are traveling or shipping to, to determine if your pet bird or bird shipment is allowed for entry. For further information, please consult the Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, National Center for Import and Export at 301-734-3277 or visit http://www.aphis.usda.gov/NCIE/ .

Contact:
U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
Office of Law Enforcement
703-358-1949 703-358-2271 (fax)