HSUS Letter to Homeland Security on Avian Influenza Threat

Wayne Pacelle, President and CEO of the Humane Society of the United States, wrote to Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff on February 6, 2006, with recommendations from The HSUS and Humane Society International on reducing the risk of avian influenza, also known as bird flu.

The letter urges that our government take these steps to control avian influenza:

Include pets and other animals who require human care in pandemic influenza planning.
Take additional measures to address the threat posed by the bird trade.
Work with state and local authorities to close live bird markets, fairs, exhibitions, and swaps.
Provide clear directives against the culling of wild bird populations.
Increase vigilance on the illegal trade in cockfighting birds.
Stop the shipment of birds on commercial airlines and through the mail.

Besides the Secretary of Homeland Security, a copy of the letter also went to the following officials: The Honorable Mike Leavitt, Secretary, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; The Honorable Mike Johanns, Secretary, U.S. Department of Agriculture; The Honorable Condoleezza Rice, Secretary, U.S. Department of State; The Honorable Gail Norton, Secretary, U.S. Department of the Interior; Mr. Frederick Schieck, Acting Administrator, U.S. Agency for International Development.

View a PDF of the letter here.

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