11-1-13 poultry ban lifted

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Japan has lifted a ban on Wisconsin poultry products instituted after birds in Jefferson County showed signs of exposure to avian flu.  A routine inspection done four months ago found some birds had antibodies to low-pathogen avian influenza, indicating possible exposure to the disease.

But Wisconsin State Veterinarian Dr. Paul McGraw says follow-up tests showed no signs of the virus and there was never a threat to public health.   "This particular virus in Wisconsin was found in an outdoor flock probably exposed to some wild ducks or geese sometime in the spring,"  McGraw told WFDL news.  "When we tested the birds, they were never sick, never showed any clinical signs.  We never found the virus."

The Wisconsin Department of Trade, Agriculture and Consumer Protection says Japan ended its ban Wednesday and will accept soups, broth and other poultry products made from birds killed after that date.  DATCP spokeswoman Raechelle Cline says the lifting of Japan's ban is important because it could help convince other nations, such as China, to reopen their borders.