The U.S. Department of Agriculture in March announced an agreement with the United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organization to tackle a broad range of issues—including animal diseases—that impact agriculture. The first priority: the highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza.

Under the agreement, a crisis management center was formed to analyze, prevent and control animal disease. Based in Rome, the center is operated by the FAO in partnership with the World Organization for Animal Health.

In addition to its international efforts, the USDA also announced that it continues to monitor wild birds and domestic poultry stateside. It also is combating illegal importation of birds and poultry products through its Smuggling Intervention and Trade compliance unit, said U.S. Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns.