NYT/Reuters: Gaps in Bird Flu Plan Leave US Vulnerable - Senators

[DeepModem Mom]

Gaps in Bird Flu Plan Leave US Vulnerable - Senators
By REUTERS
Published: July 21, 2006

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The U.S. Agriculture Department's failure to develop a "comprehensive'' program to monitor for bird flu could leave the country unprepared if an outbreak happens, a bipartisan group of senators said on Friday.

In a letter to Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns, six lawmakers said some states were not as prepared as they should be for the disease.

To better protect public health, they said, the department should provide states with a protocol for developing avian influenza response plans.

The letter also expressed concern that the U.S. Agriculture Department has not done enough to prepare for an outbreak in multiple states or raise awareness among backyard poultry owners for symptoms of the virus.

"We need leadership from USDA in preparing for the arrival of avian flu,'' said Sen. Tom Harkin, an Iowa Democrat on the Senate Agriculture Committee....

http://www.nytimes.com/reuters/news/news-birdflu-congress-letter.html?_r=1&oref=slogin

[rodeodance]

1. If this does break out panic will result.