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Wednesday, Oct. 26, 2005

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SAN JOSE, Costa Rica -- Costa Rica implemented trade controls, testing measures and quarantines for imported birds on Tuesday in response to concerns worldwide about the spread of bird flu.

While avian flu has not yet appeared in Central America - and Latin America is largely isolated from migratory bird routes thought to be responsible for carrying the disease - Costa Rica is taking no chances.

The country will restrict bird imports from countries with the disease, and allow only those imports from countries and producers with appropriate health certificates.

It will seize animals that don't meet those standards, and sample, test and quarantine some incoming birds to check for the disease. It will also set up a disinfection program for vehicles entering the country's borders.

While the H5N1 bird flu strain is easily transmitted between birds, it is hard for humans to contract. However, experts fear it could mutate into a form of flu easily transmitted between humans and cause a pandemic that could kill millions.

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