DATE=3/17/02

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE=RUSSIA/US CHICKEN (S)

NUMBER=2-287661

BYLINE=BILL GASPERINI

DATELINE=MOSCOW

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

INTRO: U-S officials have decided to extend their stay in Moscow, hoping to convince Russia to lift a ban on American chicken imports. The ban was imposed officially due to health concerns, but some say larger trade issues are said to be at the root of the problem. Bill Gasperini has more from Moscow.

TEXT: The U-S delegation has already been in Moscow for the past week, but its members say they need more time to deal with the sensitive issue over imported chicken.

Russia imposed a total ban on American poultry products after health inspectors reported finding salmonella bacteria in various samples of chicken.

Russian officials have also expressed concern about the use of antibiotics on U-S farms producing the chickens. The Russians say they want a new agreement to regulate such practices.

The U-S delegation has stressed that American poultry is safe and that concerns about health problems are exaggerated.

The Moscow ban represents a serious threat to U-S poultry and feed-meal producers because almost half of all American poultry exports go to Russia. (SIGNED)

NEB/BG/ALW/RAE