On June 20, 2015, the
Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture (PDA) published notice in the
Pennsylvania Bulletin regarding the establishment of an interstate Quarantine Order
for all live bird markets and breaker eggs shipped interstate to Pennsylvania. The order became effective upon
publication.
Enacted to reduce
the potential exposure of Pennsylvania poultry to highly pathogenic avian
influenza, the interstate Quarantine Order applies to “live bird markets,” defined
as markets that sell live birds for consumers or sell live birds and slaughter
them on-premises for customers, and “breaker eggs,” defined as eggs that are
cracked and sold in liquid form to be used by wholesale bakers and restaurants. According to the order, poultry and breaker
eggs that originate from states where Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza has
been detected are not allowed into the Commonwealth unless the products are properly
tested and documented.
In a press release issued
by PDA, Secretary of Agriculture Russell Redding stated, “As avian influenza
continues to spread eastward, we have increased our monitoring and protocols to
safeguard the state’s $13 billion poultry industry.” Additionally, Secretary
Redding noted, “[w]ith this order, Pennsylvania’s biosecurity efforts are
strengthened without impeding commerce.”
Currently, avian influenza has been confirmed in twenty
states.
Written by Katharine Richter - Research Assistant
June 22, 2015
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