News Monday, April 12, 2004 issue Vietnam declares itself free of bird flu HANOI, Vietnam -- Vietnam on March 30 declared itself free of a deadly bird flu that killed 16 people here, despite repeated warnings from international experts that such an announcement was premature because the virus could easily resurface. Animal health officials declare victory over AI in Gonzales, Texas AUSTIN, Texas -- Texas animal health officials say the H5N2 strain of avian influenza found near Gonzales in mid-February has been eradicated. FDA proposes withdrawal of Baytril WASHINGTON -- The U.S. Food & Drug Administration issued an initial decision March 16 on a proposal to withdraw the new animal drug application for Bayer Animal Health's Baytril product for poultry. EU eases ban against U.S., Canadian poultry BRUSSELS, Belgium -- The European Union on March 30 lifted a ban on most U.S. and Canadian poultry imports, but extended restrictions affecting Texas and parts of British Columbia due to continued concerns over bird flu. State Easter eggs on display at White House GAINESVILLE, Ga. -- Eggs have become synonymous with the Easter season and the U.S. egg industry, through the American Egg Board, is helping to make the season enjoyable. Broiler production and consumption on the rise WASHINGTON -- Broiler production for 2004 is now expected to reach nearly 34 billion pounds this year, with per capita consumption forecast to grow by 2 pounds, according to USDA's Economic Research Service. CPF launches awareness campaign on 'enhanced' chicken MODESTO, Calif. -- The California Poultry Federation has launched a public awareness campaign to educate consumers on 'enhanced' chicken, a process which adds water, salt and phosphates to chicken products. Grand champion birds attract top dollar in Houston HOUSTON -- The Grand Champion Pen of Broilers received a record $151,000 at the recent Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo here. Groups caution about declaring victory over Asian AI ROME -- Asian countries that declare victory over avian influenza should base such statements on in-depth investigations, the United Nations' Food and Agriculture Organization and the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) urged in a joint statement. Avian influenza briefs SEOUL, South Korea -- South Korea said Monday (March 22) that it was culling 400,000 chickens and ducks after authorities confirmed additional bird flu infections, the first in six weeks. NCC backs increased penalties for cockfighting WASHINGTON -- The National Chicken Council Executive Committee has voted to support legislation introduced in Congress that would impose stiffer penalties for the illegal movement of fighting roosters and paraphernalia associated with cockfighting. Poultry scientist touts benefits of trees for chicken farms NEWARK, Del. -- How does an Extension poultry scientist who has devoted his career to Delmarva's billion dollar broiler industry find himself on the road touting environmental benefits of trees? Delaware research lab focuses on poultry production NEWARK, Del. -- Truth be told, the building does not look like anything special. ARS chicken processing plant geared up for research ATHENS, Ga. -- A new pilot facility allows researchers in the Agricultural Research Service's Poultry Processing & Meat Quality Research Unit to design research projects with protocols that cannot be tested in inspected, commercial facilities. Expanded enforcement not needed for USDA WASHINGTON -- USDA does not need the expanded enforcement powers on food safety that U.S. Agriculture Secretary Ann Veneman suggested last year, the head of the USDA's meat inspection agency said March 18. Ga. egg producers reaffirm GEC program FOREST PARK, Ga. -- Georgia egg producers have reaffirmed the Georgia Egg Commission's program for another three years by a 94.4 percent favorable vote. Gold Kist seeks cooks for 16th recipe contest ATLANTA -- Creative cooks should act now to enter the 16th annual Gold Kist Winning Taste Recipe ContestĘ, which will award more than $63,000 in prizes to the six top original, creative chicken recipes submitted by April 30. Nitrogen in diet key to leaner chicken ATHENS, Ga. -- University of Georgia scientists have discovered that small amounts of extra nitrogen added to chicken feed produce dramatically leaner chickens. That's good news for consumers and poultry producers alike. Miss. State mobile lab provides unique opportunity STARKVILLE, Miss. -- It looks like an average camper trailer from the outside, but a new food safety lab at Mississippi State University lets veterinary researchers find ways of reducing bacteria in poultry.

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