On September 5th-9th, the USAPEEC with co-sponsorship from the Illinois Corn Marketing Board and the United Soybean Board presented a seminar in Kigali, Rwanda on the control of avian influenza. Over 50 participants representing 16-sub-Saharan African nations attended.  The objective was to provide an understanding of U.S. programs relating to avian influenza.  The Veterinary Trade Policy Advisor to USAPEEC, Dr. John Clifford was joined in the program by Dr. Fidelis Hegngi, Senior Staff Veterinary Medical Officer, USDA-APHIS. The relative responsibilities of APHIS and the FFIS were reviewed by Dr. Dawn Hunter with Dr. Kate Bowers and by Dr. David Smith respectively.

Topics covered included the National Avian Influenza Prevention, Surveillance and Control Program, the National Plan for AI Response and relevant sections of the WOAH chapter on avian influenza.

By demonstrating the rigor of the comprehensive programs in place in the U.S., it was anticipated that attendees representing their respective governments would gain confidence in U.S. regulation and control.