measures on us poultry in october 2004 the united states raised concerns over chinas nation-wide ban on us poultry products following the detection of low pathogenic avian influenza in the state of delaware in february 2004. china had not modified its import ban accordingly when highly pathogenic avian influenza was detected in the state of texas. the import ban was applied to the entire territory of the united states despite the fact that the highly pathogenic avian influenza outbreak was confined to a limited area. the outbreaks were brought under control and eradication cleaning and disinfection of the highly pathogenic infected premises was completed on 23 february 2004. on 20 august 2004 trading partners were advised that the six-month period prescribed by the oie had elapsed and that the united states was free of highly pathogenic avian influenza. despite this china still maintained the ban on poultry products from the entire territory of the united states. these restrictions were not scientifically justified and were inconsistent with sps obligations. china was requested to lift the ban immediately and to ensure that future implementation of emergency measures were consistent with article 6 of the sps agreement. noted similar concerns with china maintaining a comprehensive ban when regionalized measures were the appropriate response and sought a removal of all measures with respect to canada. china stated that china had adopted provisional emergency measures early in 2004 to prevent the entry and spread of low and highly pathogenic avian influenza. a ban on the importation of us poultry and poultry products was therefore implemented. china had actively communicated with the united states for updates of its avian influenza status. in august 2004 a team of chinese experts visited the united states to conduct on-site inspections with the objective of regionalizing its ban on avian influenza as well as the possibility of lifting the ban on us poultry. a risk assessment was being conducted and a decision would be made based on the outcome of the risk assessment. the actions that china had taken were consistent with article 6 of the sps agreement and oie guidelines and recommendations. in march 2005 the united states recalled that in the past china had not recognized regionalization with respect to avian influenza which had adversely affected us poultry exports to china. since the last committee meeting in october china had taken actions and the issue had been resolved