Ag department criticized for bird flu plan

Senators criticize planned voluntary bird flu testing

By Libby Quaid
Associated Press

Washington | Senators on Friday criticized the Agriculture Department's planning for deadly bird flu, saying the voluntary nature of its testing program threatens the U.S. poultry industry.

At issue is a federal audit that found the government lacks a comprehensive plan for testing and monitoring bird flu in commercial poultry. The department says it will have a plan in place by October.

"It is surprising that USDA does not have a program that monitors and collects data on what testing is taking place," the senators wrote in a letter to Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns.

"We are deeply concerned that the agency has waited until this year to begin to develop a comprehensive surveillance plan for avian influenza, which will not be complete until October," wrote the group, which includes Sen. Tom Harkin, D-Iowa.

The group includes four other Democrats - Sens. Harry Reid of Nevada, Barack Obama of Illinois and Hillary Clinton and Charles Schumer of New York - and one Republican, Sen. Charles Grassley of Iowa.