Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza
Outbreak Summary for non-EU Countries of Europe
March
20, 2006 , Impact Worksheet
Summary:
Over the past several weeks,
highly pathogenic avian influenza, subtype H5N1, has extended its range
across Europe ,
the Middle East ,
and Africa . As of March
20, 2006 , 11 European Union (EU) member nations and 10 other non-EU
European nations have reported bird deaths caused by the H5N1 virus. The
10 non-EU members reporting H5N1 in birds are
Albania
, Bosnia-Herzegovina ,
Bulgaria
,
Croatia
,
Romania
,
Russia
,
Serbia
and
Montenegro
,
Switzerland
,
Turkey
, and
Ukraine
. Nine of these countries have reported H5- or H5N1-related
deaths in wild birds, mainly swans, and five have reported H5N1-related deaths
in domestic poultry, including chickens, turkeys, pheasants, ducks and geese.
The 20 non-EU European countries had poultry
stocks of nearly one billion in 2005, representing 5.4% of world stocks. Chickens
accounted for 95% of non-EU European poultry stocks.
Russia
and
Turkey
had the largest poultry stocks of the non-EU European countries in 2005,
with 1.8% and 1.7%, respectively, of world stocks.
Russia
ranked 6th and 7th in the world for stocks of geese
and chickens, respectively.
Turkey
ranked 8th and 9th in the world for stocks of chickens
and geese, respectively.
Romania
ranked 3rd in the world for geese stocks and
Ukraine
ranked 6th in the world for duck stocks in 2005.
Live poultry and poultry meat exports from the non-EU European countries
were minimal in 2004. The
US
receives relatively minimal imports of live birds from non-EU European countries. All
of the live bird imports for 2004 and 2005 fall under the non-poultry category,
and were mainly considered commercial (not pet) birds. Greater than 99%
of the live bird imports were from
Russia
. All live poultry and other bird species imported into the US (except
from Canada) are required to have a USDA issued import permit, a health certificate
issued by a government veterinarian in the country of origin, and to be quarantined
for 30 days in a USDA animal import quarantine facility. These requirements
include pet birds as well as commercial birds. During the quarantine period,
the birds are tested for various infectious pathogens, including avian influenza. Many
poultry products are imported after processing, which mitigates the risk
of disease transmission.
The only poultry products imported from non-EU
European countries in 2004 and 2005 were skins and feathers. Four countries
supplied these imports during this time period, with
Switzerland
supplying over 75% of the imports in 2004, and
Ukraine
supplying over 75% in 2005.
What is the extent
of the outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in the non-EU
European countries?
Over the past eight weeks,
highly pathogenic avian influenza, subtype H5N1, has extended its range
across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa . Poultry production facilities have been affected in numerous
countries throughout Asia, Africa, and eastern/central Europe . As of March 10, 2006, 11 European Union (EU) member nations
and 10 other (non-EU) European nations have reported bird deaths caused
by the H5N1 virus (see map). The 10 non-EU members reporting H5N1 in
birds are
Albania
, Bosnia-Herzegovina ,
Bulgaria
,
Croatia
,
Romania
,
Russia
,
Serbia
and
Montenegro
,
Switzerland
,
Turkey
, and
Ukraine
. Nine of these countries have reported H5- or H5N1-related
deaths in wild birds, mainly swans, and five have reported H5N1-related deaths
in domestic poultry, including chickens, turkeys, pheasants, ducks and geese.
Although the non-EU European countries do not have a
common obligation regarding responses to H5N1 outbreaks as do the EU members,
most of these countries follow guidelines similar to those laid out by the
European Commission (EC). Under various scenarios, actions may include
stamping out and disinfection, control of wildlife reservoirs, quarantine,
and movement controls. In addition, many of the affected non-EU countries
are designated as EU accession countries or are EU candidate countries, thus
have responded to H5N1 outbreaks with mitigation strategies similar to those
specified by the EC.
Following is a summary of H5N1 influenza activity in
each of the non-EU European countries.
Albania
: An outbreak of avian influenza was reported in chickens
in the village of Çuke , Sarande County ( Vlore State ) on February 16, 2006. All 60 susceptible birds died
from the disease. The diagnosis was confirmed as H5N1 by the OIE Reference
Laboratory in Weybridge ,
UK
.
Bosnia-Herzegovina: On February 16, 2006, two of about 15 swans that had
recently arrived at Plivsko Lake in central Bosnia, showed signs of avian
influenza. The swans were killed and samples sent to a laboratory for
further examination. Pathological findings and initial tests showed H5
strain. Veterinary authorities ordered the slaughter of the rest of the
swan flock and about 4,400 poultry within a 3-km protection zone.
Current distribution of HPAI,
subtype H5N1, in Europe
. 
Non-EU countries with confirmed H5N1
infection in wild birds and/or poultry
European Union (EU) countries with
confirmed H5N1 infection in wild birds and/or poultry
Countries with no known reports of
H5N1 infection
Sources: OIE Disease Information Report; World Health
Organization; ProMED; Selected open-source news articles.
Bulgaria
: On February 11, 2006,
Bulgaria
confirmed H5N1 infection in a swan found dead near Vidin ,
on the western Danube riverside. The swan was collected on January 31. Subsequently,
Bulgaria
reported two more cases of H5 bird flu in dead swans
found near the Black
Sea coast. One of the newly discovered swans was found
in Lake Shabla near the northern border with
Romania
, which has been battling dozens of outbreaks of H5N1
since October 2005. The other bird was found near the Black Sea port town Varna .
Croatia
:
Croatia
has had three outbreaks of H5 avian influenza, all in wild
birds, since October 2005. The first two outbreaks occurred in 30 swans
at two freshwater fish farms in the northeastern part of the country. Monitoring
and sampling of waterfowl at these locations over the next two months showed
low to minimal levels of infection with H5N1. The third occurrence of H5N1
was in a dead swan found February 15, 2006, on the island of Ciovo in the Adriatic Sea . On
February 21, H5N1 avian influenza virus was isolated from a dead swan found
at Slatina, on the island of Ciovo. The swan was found on February 15.
Romania
: Beginning in October 2005,
Romania
began experiencing multiple outbreaks of avian influenza
H5N1 in backyard poultry flocks. The disease was first found in hens, ducks,
turkeys and geese. Later it was found in wild swans, herons and coots. Genetic
studies showed close homology with highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses
in
Turkey
and central Asia . Romanian
authorities declared the epidemic extinguished in backyard poultry flocks
and wild swans by mid-November 2005, but new outbreaks soon occurred in wild
waterfowl and more backyard poultry flocks. Animal health workers culled
thousands of flocks where H5N1 had been detected. Migratory birds, including
white-fronted geese, swans, ducks and cormorants, occupying lakes and wetlands
near some of the towns, were blamed for outbreaks. As of February 24, 2006,
avian influenza had been found in 35 villages across the country.
Russia
:
Russia
has experienced three large outbreaks of H5N1 avian
influenza since July 2005. Last summer, about 17,000 domestic poultry died
of H5N1 virus and more than 600,000 were killed to prevent the disease’s
spread. Contact with wild waterfowl at open reservoirs was considered the
suspect source. During a second H5N1 outbreak from October 2005 to January
2006, about 1,500 domestic poultry died and 6,500 were culled. The third
outbreak, concentrated in the Daghestan Republic on the Caspian Sea, began
in February 2006 and has killed nearly half a million domestic poultry in
southern Russia. An additional 220,000 birds have been culled in an attempt
to stem this most recent outbreak. Altogether, since July 2005, more than
1.3 million domestic poultry have died or been slaughtered in
Russia
due to highly pathogenic avian influenza.
Russia
planned to begin mass vaccinations of domestic poultry
flocks against avian influenza starting March 10.
Serbia
and
Montenegro
: On February 28, 2006, a dead mute swan was found
near a village in northwest
Serbia
, near the border with
Croatia
and
Hungary
. By March 1, a total of 17 dead mute swans had been found
at this location. Nine of 15 tested swans were positive for H5N1 virus.
Another dead swan, testing H5N1 positive, was found March 4 on the River
Drina near the Bosnian border . Subsequently, a rooster found dead
in a backyard farm in nearby Bajina Baste also was confirmed as infected
with H5N1. This was the first case of highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza
in domestic poultry in
Serbia
. A total of 561 birds (chickens, hens, rosters and
ducks) were culled in the affected area.
Switzerland
: A dead goosander (merganser), testing positive for
H5N1 virus, was found in the harbor of Geneva on February 26, 2006. Subsequently a dead swan, two
ducks and a coot found near the German border tested positive for H5 avian
influenza. These latter cases will be further tested at the OIE reference
laboratory in the
UK
to confirm the presence of H5N1 virus.
Turkey
: H5N1 avian influenza was first reported in
Turkey
in early October 2005. The initial outbreak
was in a flock of 1,700 turkeys in the western part of the country, followed
by an outbreak in the same region in 1,200 backyard poultry (chickens, turkeys,
ducks and geese). Animal health authorities immediately culled all backyard
poultry (more than10,000 birds) within 3 km as well as more than 2,600 free
range turkeys in direct contact with the infected flocks. The outbreak
was declared ended by early December 2005, but shortly afterward avian influenza
was discovered in four backyard poultry flocks in eastern
Turkey
. This was near the border with
Iran
,
Armenia
, and
Azerbaijan
, an area considered one of the main routes for migratory
birds passing through the Anatolia region of
Turkey
. Since mid-December, 151 outbreaks of
highly pathogenic avian influenza in 28 provinces throughout
Turkey
have resulted in culling of nearly 2.3
million poultry. Authorities have reported 24 occurrences of H5N1 virus
in wild birds, including swan, hawk, pigeon, dove, and sparrow.
Ukraine
:
Ukraine
reported its first outbreak of highly pathogenic H5N1
avian influenza in late November 2005. The outbreak occurred in several
small villages on the Crimean Peninsula , which extends from southern
Ukraine
into the Black Sea . More
than 1,900 poultry (chickens and geese) were initially affected, and the
disease was later found in domestic turkeys. Virus isolates were closely
related to those found in outbreaks of H5N1 in
Russia
, and
China
. More than 62,000 birds were destroyed in house-to-house
surveys of villages across the peninsula, and the outbreak was declared over
by the end of December 2005. But, H5N1 reappeared in Crimea in early January
in backyard poultry, as well as in a few wild birds, including ducks, jays,
rooks, pigeons, and gulls. By the end of February, more than 200,000 poultry,
both in backyard and commercial flocks, had been destroyed by animal health
workers. Also in late February, zoo officials reported H5 avian influenza-related
deaths in zoo birds (parrots and pheasants) in Odessa ,
a seaport in southern
Ukraine
. It was unclear whether the disease in zoo birds
was caused by H5N1 virus, although officials implied that it was not. The
country's top veterinary officer said
Ukraine
had begun testing several types of vaccine for H5N1
in poultry, but no decision had been made whether to undertake mass vaccinations.
What is the international market for poultry and poultry
products in non-EU European countries?
The 20 non-EU European
countries had poultry stocks of nearly one billion in 2005, representing
5.4% of world stocks (see Appendix 1 for country and species details). Chickens
accounted for 95% of non-EU European poultry stocks, with ducks, geese,
and turkeys accounting for 3%, 1% and 1%, respectively.
Russia
and
Turkey
had the largest poultry stocks of the non-EU European
countries in 2005 (Table 1), with
Russia
having almost 335 million head (1.8% of world stocks), followed
closely by
Turkey
’s almost 303 million head (1.7% of world stocks).
Russia
ranked 6th and 7th in the world
for stocks of geese and chickens, respectively.
Turkey
ranked 8th and 9th in the world
for stocks of chickens and geese, respectively.
Romania
ranked 3rd in the world for geese stocks
and
Ukraine
ranked 6th in the world for duck stocks
in 2005.
Source: United Nations
FAO
The non-EU European countries produced nearly 3.2 million
metric tons of poultry meat in 2005, accounting for 3.9% of world poultry
meat production (Appendix 2).
Russia
and
Turkey
were the largest poultry meat producers among the non-EU
European countries (Table 2). In 2005
Russia
ranked 12th in the world with production of
1.13 million metric tons and
Turkey
ranked 18th in the world with production of
958 thousand metric tons.
Source: United Nations FAO
Table
1. Stocks of live poultry*, top 10 producing non-EU European countries,
2005
Country |
Number
of head (1000) |
%
of world |
Russia
|
334,708 |
1.8 |
Turkey
|
302,978 |
1.7 |
Ukraine
|
141,000 |
0.8 |
Romania
|
96,500 |
0.5 |
Belarus
|
25,100 |
0.1 |
Bulgaria
|
19,140 |
0.1 |
Serbia
and
Montenegro
|
17,464 |
0.1 |
Moldova
, Republic of |
14,070 |
0.1 |
Croatia
|
11,541 |
0.1 |
Switzerland
|
8,193 |
<0.1 |
* Includes chickens, ducks, geese, turkeys
Source: United Nations FAO
Table
2. Production of poultry meat*, top 10 producing non-EU European
countries, 2005
Country |
Metric
tons |
%
of world |
Russia
|
1,130,000 |
1.4 |
Turkey
|
958,010 |
1.2 |
Ukraine
|
470,000 |
0.6 |
Romania
|
154,000 |
0.2 |
Belarus
|
100,000 |
0.1 |
Serbia
and
Montenegro
|
76,000 |
0.1 |
Bulgaria
|
88,000 |
0.1 |
Switzerland
|
58,000 |
0.1 |
Norway
|
56,995 |
0.1 |
Croatia
|
40,970 |
0.1 |
*Includes chicken, duck, goose and turkey meat
Source: United Nations FAO
Shell egg production
by the non-EU European countries represented 7.2% of world production in
2005 (Appendix 2).
Russia
ranked 5th in the world, with production
of over 2 million metric tons of shell eggs representing 3.2% of world production
in 2005 (Table 3).
Turkey
and
Ukraine
ranked 10th and 12th in the world
for shell egg production.
Source: United Nations FAO
Table
3. Production of shell eggs, top 10 producing non-EU European countries,
2005
Country |
Metric
tons |
%
of world |
Russia
|
2,067,000 |
3.2 |
Turkey
|
830,000 |
1.3 |
Ukraine
|
726,500 |
1.1 |
Romania
|
405,600 |
0.6 |
Belarus
|
179,630 |
0.3 |
Bulgaria
|
92,000 |
0.1 |
Serbia
and
Montenegro
|
88,400 |
0.1 |
Norway
|
51,344 |
0.1 |
Croatia
|
45,700 |
0.1 |
Moldova
, Republic of |
43,140 |
0.1 |
Source: United Nations FAO
Live poultry exports
from the non-EU European countries were minimal in 2004 (Appendix 3).
Turkey
exported approximately 4.2 million head,
Ukraine
1.8 million head, and
Russia
1.3 million head, accounting for 0.5%, 0.2% and 0.2%
of world exports, respectively (Table 4). The majority of these exports
were chickens.
Source: United Nations FAO
Table
4. Live poultry exports from top non-EU European countries, 2004
Country |
Chickens |
Total
Live Poultry* |
Number
head
(1000) |
Value
(1000
$) |
Number
head
(1000) |
Value
(1000
$) |
%
of World Quantity |
%
of World Value |
Russia
|
1,351 |
804 |
1,354 |
816 |
0.2 |
0.1 |
Turkey
|
4,155 |
1,892 |
4,176 |
1,912 |
0.5 |
0.2 |
Ukraine
|
1,802 |
828 |
1,802 |
828 |
0.2 |
0.1 |
* Includes chickens, ducks, geese, turkeys
Source: United Nations FAO
Turkey exported the
most poultry meat from the non-EU European countries with slightly more
than 29,153 metric tons, accounting for 0.4% of world fresh poultry meat
exports in 2004 (Table 5).
Belarus
exported 13,246 metric tons for fresh poultry meat,
accounting for 0.2% of world exports. The other non-EU European countries
exported minimal, if any, fresh poultry meat, each accounting for less than
0.1% of world exports (Appendix 4).
Belarus
ranks 10th in the world for shell egg exports,
with 31,196 metric tons (2.9% of world exports), and
Turkey
ranks 13th in the world.
Source: United Nations FAO
Table 5. Fresh poultry meat and shell egg exports
from top non-EU European countries, 2004
Country |
Chicken Meat |
Duck Meat |
Goose Meat |
Turkey
Meat |
Total Fresh Poultry Meat |
Shell Eggs |
Metric
Tons |
Metric
Tons |
% of World |
Metric
Tons |
%
of World |
Belarus
|
12,819 |
390 |
0 |
37 |
13,246 |
0.2 |
31,196 |
2.9 |
Turkey
|
28,594 |
0 |
0 |
559 |
29,153 |
0.3 |
10,737 |
1.0 |
Source: United Nations FAO
What are the
US
imports of live birds and poultry products from non-EU European countries?
The
US
receives relatively minimal imports of live birds from non-EU European countries
(Table 6). All of the live bird imports for 2004 and 2005 fall under the
non-poultry category, and were mainly considered commercial (not pet) birds. Greater
than 99% of the live bird imports were from
Russia
. Eight other countries supplied live bird imports to the
US
in 2004 and 2005 to make up the remainder of imports. The live bird imports
from the non-EU European countries are slightly more than half of what the
US
imports from the EU.
All live bird species imported
into the US (except from Canada) are required to have a USDA issued import
permit, a health certificate issued by a government veterinarian in the
country of origin, and to be quarantined for 30 days in a USDA animal import
quarantine facility. These requirements include pet birds as well as
commercial birds. During the quarantine period, the birds are tested for
various infectious pathogens, including avian influenza.
Of the non-EU European
countries, only
Iceland
and
Switzerland
are considered to be free of exotic Newcastle disease by the USDA, therefore there are significant restrictions on
US
importation of poultry products from most of these
countries. Many poultry products are imported after processing, which mitigates
the risk of disease transmission. The only poultry products imported from
non-EU European countries in 2004 and 2005 were skins and feathers (Table
6). Four countries supplied these products for import during this time
period, with
Switzerland
supplying over 75% of the imports in 2004, and
Ukraine
supplying over 75% in 2005. The quantity of skins
and feathers imported into the
US
from non-EU European countries is small (less than
10%) compared to the amount imported from the EU during this same time period.
Source: World Trade Atlas, VS Import Tracking
System
Table 6. US live bird and poultry product
imports from non-EU European countries, 2004-2005
Product |
Country |
2004 |
2005 |
Quantity |
US $ (1,000s) |
Quantity |
US $ (1,000s) |
Live Birds (not poultry) |
Albania
|
- |
- |
2 |
- |
Bosnia-Herzegovina |
2 |
- |
- |
- |
Croatia
|
- |
- |
1 |
- |
Macedonia
|
- |
- |
48 |
- |
Norway
|
1 |
- |
- |
- |
Russia
|
15,270 |
- |
11,178 |
- |
Switzerland
|
5 |
- |
1 |
- |
Turkey
|
12 |
- |
- |
- |
Ukraine
|
4 |
- |
- |
- |
Skins and Feathers (kg) |
Moldova
|
- |
- |
506 |
27 |
Romania
|
- |
- |
- |
1 |
Russia
|
11,995 |
507 |
5,797 |
238 |
Switzerland
|
102,530 |
1,232 |
25,926 |
385 |
Ukraine
|
22,352 |
279 |
115,977 |
833 |
Source: World Trade Atlas, VS Import Tracking
System
What are
Canada
’s and
Mexico
’s imports of live birds or poultry products from non-EU European countries?
Canada
imported a few live birds and small amounts of skins
and feathers from non-EU European countries in 2004 and 2005 (Table 7). All
live bird imports were from
Russia
. Skins and feathers came from 3 countries, with the
majority coming from
Russia
. The imports of live birds and poultry products for
non-EU European countries are less than the imports into
Canada
from the EU in 2004 and 2005.
Source: World Trade Atlas
Table 7. Canadian live birds and poultry product imports
from non-EU European countries, 2004-2005
Product |
Country |
2004 |
2005 |
Quantity |
Canadian $ (1,000s) |
Quantity |
Canadian $ (1,000s) |
Live Birds (number) |
Russia
|
821 |
19 |
1,306 |
34 |
Skins and Feathers (kg) |
Russia
|
12,245 |
39 |
0 |
0 |
Switzerland
|
69 |
6 |
0 |
0 |
Ukraine
|
4,771 |
186 |
2,052 |
80 |
Source: World Trade Atlas
The only non-EU European
country
Mexico
imported live birds from in 2004 or 2005 was
Switzerland
.
Mexico
imported 647 live birds (valued at US$2000) in 2004
and 545 live birds (valued at US$10,000) in 2005 (Jan – Nov). No poultry
products were imported into
Mexico
from non-EU European countries during this time period.
Mexico
imported many more live birds from the EU than it did
from non-EU European countries in 2004 and 2005, and also imported a limited
number of poultry products from the EU during this time period.
Source: World Trade Atlas
What is the level of passenger traffic arriving in
the
United States
from non-EU European countries?
In 2004, nearly 644,000 air passengers arrived in the
US
who reported their country of residency as one of the non-EU European countries
(Appendix 5). This number does not include non-resident travelers from
these countries, such as those who were in the country for business trips
or vacations.
As part of APHIS-PPQ’s agriculture quarantine inspection
monitoring, 6,208 air passengers from the non-EU European countries were
sampled for items of agricultural interest in fiscal year 2004. Of these
passengers, 50 were found to be carrying the following relevant products: processed
chicken (5 kg), preserved eggs (4 kg), unspecified meat broth (2 kg), and
unspecified meat, including meat, sandwich meat and processed meat (79 kg)
(Appendix 6). One passenger from
Russia
, carrying unspecified meat broth, reported having been on a farm prior to
the flight. None of the passengers carrying these products planned to visit
a farm or ranch while in the
US
.
Are there any political/trade issues between the
US
and the non- EU European countries and what is the status of their veterinary
infrastructures?
Republic of Albania
US - Albanian Relations:
In 2003,
Albania
and the
US
signed and ratified a number of agreements. The
US
strongly supports
Albania
's EU and NATO membership goals. Since
FY 1991, the
US
has provided more than $531 million
in assistance--not counting US Department of Agriculture (USDA) food aid--to
Albania
to facilitate its transition from an isolated
European communist state to a modern democracy with a market-oriented economy,
and to support long-term development.
Veterinary Infrastructure:
In 2001,
Albania
reported to the OIE having 1,010 veterinarians, including
450 government veterinarians. An EU mission completed in 2000 reported
that the government veterinary authority has legal authority and is well
organized. It consists of a network of public and private veterinarians
and is 80% funded by the government. However, the veterinary services have
been weakened by economic reforms and privatization and are struggling with
regard to disease control and other animal health issues.
Albania
has one central veterinary laboratory, which is well
equipped and has a well-trained staff, and 12 regional laboratories.
Albania
has an import permit system for live animals and meat
with six border inspection posts for animal imports.
Sources: US
Dept. of State Background Note:
Albania
, accessed 3/9/06 at: www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/3235.htm;
European Commission, “Follow-up of the 1999 Food Security Programme in
Albania
” (Mission in
Albania
from the 13th to the 22nd of November 2000), Final
Report; OIE Handistatus II at : http://www.oie.int/hs2/report.asp?lang=en
Bosnia and Herzegovina
(BiH)
US – Bosnian Relations:
The 1992-95 war in
Bosnia and Herzegovina
was ended with the crucial participation of the
US
in brokering the 1995 Dayton Accords. After leading
the diplomatic and military effort to secure the Dayton agreement, the
US
has continued to lead the effort to ensure its implementation. The
US
has donated hundreds of millions of dollars to help with reconstruction,
humanitarian assistance, economic development, and military reconstruction
in
Bosnia and Herzegovina
.
Veterinary Infrastructure:
There is reported to be a lack of cooperation between the Federation
of Bosnia and
Herzegovina
and Republika Srpska, resulting in two independent
parallel organizations performing veterinary duties within the same country. A
recently established State Veterinary Office is designed to serve as an umbrella
organization and is recognized by the international community, but it is
not yet recognized by the two entities. In 2004, BiH reported 1,015 veterinarians,
including 132 government veterinarians. The country has two main laboratories
and a network of smaller labs, but it has no formal links to the EU reference
labs. Additionally, not all labs are functional, some being poorly equipped
and not able to test for certain animal diseases.
Government oversight for farm registration, animal identification, and
animal movement control is weak. BiH does have detailed import requirements
following OIE guidelines, but poor control of borders has resulted in smuggling. There
are 15 border inspection posts, but imports are poorly documented.
Sources: US
State Dept. Background Note –
Bosnia and Herzegovina
, accessed 3/9/06 at: www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/2868.htm;
OIE Handistatus II at : http://www.oie.int/hs2/report.asp?lang=en
Republic of Bulgaria
US – Bulgarian Relations:
The year 2003 marked the 100th anniversary of diplomatic relations between
the
US
and
Bulgaria
. US-Bulgarian relations were severed in 1950 but
were restored a decade later, with bilateral relations between the two nations
improving dramatically after the fall of communism. The
US
signed a Bilateral Investment Treaty in 1994 and gave
Bulgaria
most-favored-nation trade status in October 1996. In
1989, the US Congress passed the Support for East European Democracies Act
(SEED), authorizing financial support to facilitate development of democratic
institutions, political pluralism, and free market economies in the Balkan
region. Since 1990,
Bulgaria
has received more than $460 million in SEED assistance.
Veterinary Infrastructure:
Bulgaria
reported having 3,047 veterinarians, including 74 government
veterinarians, in 2004. An EU mission conducted in December 2001 reported
that the government veterinary authority has legal authority; government
services are, however, being reorganized. The country has one central laboratory
with a network of regional labs. Occasional problems arise with the availability
of test kits.
Bulgaria
has a system in place for certifying internal movements
of animals and products.
Sources: US
State Dept. Background Note – Bulgaria, accessed 3/9/06 at: www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/3236.htm; European
Commission, “Final Report of a Mission Carried Out in Bulgaria from 10/12/01
to 14/12/01 in order to assess the Operation of Animal Health and Public
Health Controls in Respect of the Export of Animals and Animal Products
to the European Union,” DG(SANCO)?3377/2001—MR Final (01/03/02); OIE
Handistatus II at : http://www.oie.int/hs2/report.asp?lang=en
Republic of Croatia
US – Croatian Relations:
US
engagement in
Croatia
is aimed at fostering a democratic, secure,
and market-oriented society that will be a strong partner in Euro-Atlantic
institutions. The
United States
opened its Embassy in Zagreb in 1992. In an effort to promote regional
stability through refugee returns, the
US
has given more than $13.4 million since
1998 in humanitarian assistance. The
US
also has provided additional financial
assistance to
Croatia
through the Southeastern European Economic Development Program
to facilitate democratization and restructuring of
Croatia
's financial sector.
Veterinary Infrastructure:
In 2004,
Croatia
reported having 2,748 veterinarians, including 937
government veterinarians. The number of government veterinarians more than
quintupled between 1998 and 1999 (from 157 to 791). A 1999 EU mission concluded
that the Croatian veterinary services were performing adequately and were
effectively in control of the whole Croatian territory. The report stated
that the Croatian veterinary services have a good structure, a clear chain
of command, legal provision to fight important diseases, and dedicated staff.
Croatia
has one central laboratory, which functions as a reference
laboratory, and four regional laboratories. Because Croatian certificates
were involved in the illegal movement of cattle infected with foot and mouth
disease in 1993, the central veterinary services now have strict control
in issuing certificates. Sharing borders with five countries (
Slovenia
, Bosnia-Herzegovina ,
Italy
,
Hungary
, and
Yugoslavia
),
Croatia
has 31 border inspection posts.
Sources: US
State Dept. Background Note –
Croatia
, accessed 3/9/06 at: http://www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/3166.htm;
European Commission, “Final Report of a Mission to
Croatia
from 12 to 16 July 1999 (Animal Health and Certification)” DG(SANCO)/1158/1999/MR—FINAL
(11/30/1999); OIE Handistatus II at : http://www.oie.int/hs2/report.asp?lang=en
Macedonia
( Former Yugoslav Republic )
US –
Macedonia
Relations:
The
United States
and
Macedonia
have enjoyed good bilateral relations since
Macedonia
gained its independence in 1991. Today,
Macedonia
and the
US
enjoy a cooperative relationship across a broad range
of political, economic, cultural, military, and social issues.
Veterinary Infrastructure:
Macedonia
reported having 62 government veterinarians and 329
other veterinarians in 2004. There is one central laboratory with modern
equipment and trained staff. Animal movement within the country is controlled
by veterinary certification, and there are 10 border inspection posts.
Sources: US
State Dept. Background Note –
Macedonia
, accessed 3/9/06 at: http://www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/26759.htm;
OIE Handistatus II at : http://www.oie.int/hs2/report.asp?lang=en
Romania
US - Romanian Relations:
US bilateral relations with
Romania
began to improve in the early 1960s with the signing
of an agreement providing for partial settlement of American property claims. Cultural,
scientific, and educational exchanges were initiated, and in 1964 the legations
of both nations were promoted to full embassies.
Veterinary Infrastructure:
Based on its 2004 report to the OIE,
Romania
has a well-organized Veterinary Services with 2,016
government veterinarians and at least one central laboratory. There are
4,014 additional veterinarians in private practice, universities, or laboratories.
Sources: US
Dept. of State Background Note:
Romania
, last accessed on 3/9/06 at: http://www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/35722.htm ;
OIE Handistatus II at : http://www.oie.int/hs2/report.asp?lang=en
Russia
US – Russian Relations
The US and
Russia
share common interests on a broad range of issues. Not
only are missiles no longer targeted at the other’s homeland, but the
US
and
Russia
have become strong allies in the global war on terrorism. In
addition,
Russia
is an important partner in the Middle East Peace Process “Quartet” (along
with the UN and the EU). US assistance programs in
Russia
are generally working at the grassroots level by bolstering
small business through training and enhanced availability of credit; expanding
exchanges so that more Russian citizens can learn about
America
's market democracy on a first-hand basis; and increasing
the number of partnerships between Russian and
US
cities, universities, hospitals, business associations,
charities, and other civic groups.
Veterinary Infrastructure:
Information not available.
Sources: US
Dept. of State Background Note:
Russia
, last accessed on 3179/06 at: http://www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/3183.htm
Serbia
and
Montenegro
US –
Serbia
and
Montenegro
Relations:
At the outset of hostilities
between NATO and the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (F.R.Y.) in the spring
of 1999, the
United States
and the F.R.Y. severed diplomatic relations. In
response to the overthrow of the Milosevic regime in October 2000, the
US
reestablished a diplomatic presence and the US Embassy
reopened in May 2001. Since the fall of Milosevic however, the
US
is giving some aid to
Serbia
and
Montenegro
, though there are Congressional restrictions based
on
Serbia
’s need to meet its international obligations to the
International Criminal Tribunal of the former Yugoslavia (ICTY). Ten million
dollars of
US
aid in fiscal year 2005 was suspended due to
Serbia
’s non-cooperation with the ICTY; however, due to the
subsequent transfer of twelve indictees to Tribunal, the way has been cleared
for the restoration of the previously suspended aid.
Veterinary Infrastructure:
In 2004,
Serbia
and
Montenegro
reported 464 central and local government veterinarians,
1,324 State veterinarians, and 810 private practitioners. In addition,
310 veterinarians work in laboratories, universities, or training institutions
in
Serbia
and
Montenegro
.
Sources: US
State Dept. Background Note –
Serbia
and
Montenegro
, accessed 3/17/06 at: http://www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/5388.htm; OIE
Handistatus II at : http://www.oie.int/hs2/report.asp?lang=en
Switzerland
US – Swiss Relations:
Switzerland
is a democratic country subscribing to most of the ideals with which the
US
is identified. The country is politically stable with a fundamentally strong
economy. Co operation under the US-Swiss Joint
Economic Commission invigorated bilateral ties by recording achievements
in a number of areas, including consultations on anti-money laundering efforts,
counter-terrorism, and pharmaceutical regulatory cooperation.
Veterinary Infrastructure:
Of the 2,220 veterinarians active in
Switzerland
during 2004, 1,515 were private practitioners, 160
were working in industry, 162 were government veterinarians, and 383 worked
in laboratories, universities, and training institutions.
Sources: US
State Dept. Background Note –
Switzerland
, accessed 3/17/06 at:: http://www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/3431.htm ; OIE
Handistatus II at : http://www.oie.int/hs2/report.asp?lang=en
Turkey
US – Turkish Relations:
US-Turkish friendship dates to the late 18th century and was officially
sealed by a treaty in 1830. The present close relationship began with
the agreement of July 12, 1947, which implemented the Truman Doctrine. As
part of the cooperative effort to further Turkish economic and military
self-reliance, the
US
has loaned and granted
Turkey
more than $12.5 billion in economic aid and more than
$14 billion in military assistance.
Turkey
has been designated a Big Emerging Market (BEM) for
US exports and investment by the Department of Commerce. In 2001, the US-Turkey
trade balance was almost even, with each country exporting approximately
$3 billion to the other. The
US
is
Turkey
's third-largest export market.
Veterinary Infrastructure:
The Turkish Veterinary Service is well-staffed and organized and, in
2004, had 1,858 government veterinarians. Private and other veterinarians
numbered 5,387.
Turkey
has central and regional veterinary laboratories, as
well as 10 regional research institutes.
Sources: US
Dept. of State Background Note:
Turkey
last accessed on 3/9/06 at: www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/3432.htm;
OIE Handistatus II at : http://www.oie.int/hs2/report.asp?lang=en
Ukraine
US –
Ukraine
Relations:
The Ukrainian Government
began taking steps in the fall of 1999 to reinvigorate their economy after
a period of decline.
Ukraine
’s democratic “Orange Revolution” has led to closer
cooperation and more open dialogue between
Ukraine
and the
United States
.
US
policy remains centered on realizing and strengthening a democratic,
prosperous, and secure
Ukraine
more closely integrated into European and Euro-Atlantic
structures. Total
US
assistance to
Ukraine
since independence has been more than $3 billion and
is targeted to promote political and economic reform and to address urgent
humanitarian needs.
Veterinary Infrastructure:
In 2004,
Ukraine
had 4,080 government veterinarians, 4,201 veterinarians working in laboratories,
industry, and training institutions, and 2,003 private practitioners.
Sources: US
State Dept. Background Note –
Ukraine
; http://www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/3211.htm ;
OIE Handistatus II at : http://www.oie.int/hs2/report.asp?lang=en
CEI’s plans for follow up: CEI will continue
to monitor the HPAI situation in Europe and may issue additional reports. If
you need more information or if you want to comment on this worksheet, you
may reply to this message, or contact Barbara Bischoff at 970-494-7282.
Email addresses: barbara.a.bischoff@aphis.usda.gov or steven.j.sweeney@aphis.usda.gov
