Brasília - An Operational Plan for the Prevention of Newcastle Disease and Bird Flu (Plano Operacional de Prevenção da Doença de Newcastle e de Influenza Aviária) is being discussed today by a technical commission from the Ministry of Agriculture and poultry producer representatives. Proposals will be made and then aired at public hearings over a period of 60 days before the final version of the plan is drawn up.

The plan is expected to include regular serological examinations of poultry, along with the registration and inspection of poultry production.

Among other reasons, Brasilia is concerned with the problems of Newcastle disease and bird flu because Brazil has become the world's number one poultry exporter. In 2005 sector exports were worth US$3.5 billion.

Translation: Allen Bennett