The extension includes imports of pet birds.

According to a statement released by the EU Commission, the embargo was extended in light of the presence of bird flu in Turkey and other countries.

EU officials also approved additional emergency funding to prevent new cases.

Because of the outbreak of the HN51 avian flu strain in Asia, groups such as the World Wildlife Fund (Washington) support countries in suspending imports of both wild and captive-bred birds. Millions of wild-caught and captive-bred birds are traded internationally each year through both legal and illegal channels, according to the organization.

The group says, however, birds imported into North America for the pet trade are safe. “Birds legally brought into the United States and Canada are subject to a 30-day quarantine period, which is enough time to identify diseased birds before they’re cleared for import,” said Ginette Hemley, WWF’s vice president for species conservation. “Also, temporary live bird import bans have been put into place from countries experiencing avian flu outbreaks, such as Indonesia and Thailand. Illegal trade is a greater concern, as there is no way to impose health restrictions on smuggled birds.”

Some states have taken additional precautions. For example, late last year, the Pennsylvania Agriculture Department closed two live bird markets in Philadelphia after birds tested positive for a mild strain of avian influenza during routine surveillance. The strain was different from the Asian strain, however, and posed no threat to human health. The marts were later reopened.

For more information on avian influenza, visit the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Web site at www.usda.gov and click on avian influenza. [March 2006 PET AGE]