UNCLASSIFIED   STATE   00044254 
VZCZCXRO3933
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DE RUEHC #4254/01 1210013
ZNR UUUUU ZZH

R 302354Z APR 09
FM SECSTATE WASHDC
TO ALL DIPLOMATIC AND CONSULAR POSTS COLLECTIVE
RUEHTRO/AMEMBASSY TRIPOLI 7070

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 STATE 044254 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: EAGR ETRD ECON
 
SUBJECT: DEMARCHE REQUEST: URGE POSTS TO REMOVE TRADE 
BANS ON PORK DUE TO H1N1 FEARS 
 
¶1.  For posts listed in  paragraphs 6 and 7, this is an 
action request; other posts are encouraged to draw on 
these points if appropriate.  Given the growing 
sensitivity on this issue, however, posts are requested 
to use discretion in discussing these points with 
countries that have not enacted restrictions on U.S. 
pork products in order to avoid adding to already 
heightened concerns. 
 
SUMMARY 
 
¶2.  At least twelve countries have put in place either 
partial or complete bans on U.S. pork because of fears 
related to the H1N1 outbreak currently occurring in the 
United States, Mexico, and other parts of the world.  We 
are aware of an additional eight countries that are 
considering a ban.  As appropriate, Post may discuss a 
coordinated approach in-country with other foreign 
missions, particularly with the Mexican, Canadian, and 
European Community missions.  The World Organization for 
Animal Health, commonly referred to by its French 
acronym as the OIE, is the standard setting body for 
trade in meat and animal products.  The OIE issued 
statements on April 27 and 28 indicating that there is 
no risk from the consumption of fully cooked pork, and 
urging countries to refrain from interrupting trade 
flows.  The Centers for Disease Control, along with 
other international experts, agree that there is no risk 
from eating properly handled and cooked pork. 
 
OBJECTIVES 
 
¶3.  The intent of this cable is to urge governments 
which have implemented trade bans to reduce or eliminate 
those trade bans.  Posts may also use these points to 
reassure governments that U.S. pork is safe.  Posts that 
feel that governments may impose new trade bans may also 
use these points as appropriate. 
 
DISEASE NAME 
 
¶4.  Initial reports calling this disease the "Swine Flu" 
resulted in confusion that triggered many of these trade 
bans.  Therefore, the USG has determined that to 
minimize such confusion going forward, the term "H1N1 
influenza" should be used.  (Note: President Obama used 
this terminology in his April 29 press conference.)  We 
do not support any attempt to have this disease termed 
the "Mexican Flu" or the "North American Flu." 
 
SOURCES OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION 
 
¶5.  Most international organizations and U.S. Government 
Agencies with an interest in animal or human health now 
have web sites devoted to news and advice related to the 
H1N1 outbreak.  You may provide the following 
information to those seeking information. 
 
-       World Organization for Animal Health/OIE: 
http://www.oie.int/eng/press/en_090428.htm  World 
Health Organization: www.who.int/en 

-       Food and Agriculture Organization of the UN: 
www.fao.org 
 
-       U.S. Center for disease control: www.cdc.gov 
 
-       U.S. Health and Human Services: www.hhs.gov 
 
ACTION REQUEST 
 
¶6.  For Astana, Manila, Quito, Amman, Bishkek, Beirut, 
Kuala Lumpur only: 
 
At the highest appropriate level, Post should inquire if 
Ministries of Agriculture and/or Ministries of Trade can 
confirm a trade ban using the following point, and 
provide other related information as appropriate: 
 
-       We understand that your Government is considering 
implementing a ban on U.S. pork because of fears 
related to the cases of H1N1 in the United States. 
We would urge your government to reconsider such 
action. 
 
¶7.  For Action Moscow, Beijing, Zagreb, Santo Domingo, 
Tegucigalpa, Jakarta, Belgrade, Seoul, Castries, 
Bangkok,  Abu Dhabi, Kiev, and any other posts with 
confirmed bans: 
 
At the highest appropriate level, Post should deliver 
the following points to Ministries of Agriculture and/or 
Ministries of Trade: 
 
-       The World Health Organization (WHO) clearly stated 
on April 30 that "There is also no risk of 
infection from this virus from consumption of well- 
cooked pork and pork products.  Individuals are 
advised to wash hands thoroughly with soap and 
water on a regular basis and should seek medical 
attention if they develop any symptoms of 
influenza-like illness."  The World Animal Health 
Organization, commonly referred to by its French 
acronym as the OIE, has likewise stated there is no 
need for trade bans. 
 
-       As always, safe steps in food handling, cooking, 
and storage are essential to prevent food-borne 
illness. 
 
-       There have been no reports of the 2009 H1N1 
influenza occurring in swine in the United States. 
A network of federal veterinarians, state animal 
health officials, and private practitioners are 
regularly involved with monitoring U.S. swine for 
signs of significant disease.  To date, there have 
been no reports that the influenza virus currently 
causing illness in humans is circulating anywhere 
in the U.S. swine herd.  As a proactive measure, 
USDA is reaching out to all state animal health 
officials to affirm they have no signs of this 
virus type in their state.  In addition, USDA has 
put U.S. pork producers on high alert to look for 
evidence of disease. 
 
-       The World Organization for Animal Health, commonly 
referred to by its French acronym as the OIE, is 
the standard setting body for the trade in animals 
and meat products.  Their April 28 and April 30 
statements are clear; "Currently, only findings 
related to the circulation of this virus in pigs in 
zones of countries having human cases would justify 
trade measures on the importation of pigs from 
these countries."  "Scientific evidence currently 
available to the OIE and partner organizations 
indicates that this novel A/H1N1 virus is being 
transmitted amongst humans; there is no evidence of 
infection in pigs, nor of humans acquiring 
infection directly from pigs".  According to these 
experts, there is no justification for trade 
restrictions on U.S.-origin pigs, pork, or pork 
products, as this virus has not been isolated or 
reported in swine. 
 
-       Any disruption to trade, both of live animals and 
meat products, further exacerbates the global fears 
of increasing protectionism in trade.  We would 
urge your government to consider whether there is a 
valid, sound scientific justification for 
maintaining these restrictions. 
 
¶8.  All other posts may draw on the talking points and 
other information referenced above in responding to 
inquiries from the host governments. 
 
¶9.  Please provide front channel response by May 8 with 
host government response to Ann Ryan EEB/TPP/MTAA/ABT, 
and slugged to Jane Doherty, USTR, and Clay Hamilton and 
Casey Bean, USDA/OSTA. 
 
¶10.  Minimize considered. 
CLINTON