As part of the President’s National Strategy 

for Pandemic Influenza, which includes 

both avian influenza and human pandemic 

preparedness, the U.S. Department of 

Agriculture (USDA) is working with its 

partners on the international and domestic 

fronts to help control the spread of highpathogenicity H5N1 avian influenza. 

What is avian influenza? A

vian influenza (AI)--the bird flu--is a virus 

that infects wild birds (such as ducks, gulls, and 

shorebirds) and domestic poultry (such as chick-

ens, turkeys, ducks, and geese). There is a flu for 

birds just as there is for humans and, as with people, 

some forms of the flu are worse than others.

AI viruses are classified by a combination of two 

groups of proteins: the hemagglutinin or H proteins, of 

which there are 16 (H1-H16), and neuraminidase or N 

proteins, of which there are 9 (N1-N9). AI strains also 

are divided into two groups based upon the ability of 

the virus to produce disease in poultry: low-pathogenic-

ity avian influenza (LPAI) and high-pathogenicity avian 

influenza (HPAI). 

LPAI, or “low path” avian influenza, naturally oc-

curs in wild birds and can spread to domestic birds. In 

most cases it causes no signs of infection or only minor 

symptoms in birds. These strains of the virus pose little 

threat to human health. LPAI H5 and H7 strains have 

the potential to mutate into HPAI and are therefore 

closely monitored.

HPAI, or “high path” avian influenza, is often fatal 

in chickens and turkeys. HPAI spreads more rapidly 

than LPAI and has a higher death rate in birds. HPAI 

H5N1 is the type rapidly spreading in some parts of 

the world. 

USDA recommends that owners of backyard flocks 

follow these six tips to prevent poultry disease: 

keep your distance (restrict access to your property 

and your birds); 

keep it clean (clean and disinfect your clothes, shoes, 

equipment, and hands); 

don’t haul disease home (if you have been near other 

birds or bird owners, clean and disinfect poultry 

cages and equipment before going home); 

don’t risk disease from your neighbor (do not 

borrow lawn and garden equipment, tools, or 

poultry supplies from other bird owners); 

know the warning signs (sudden increase in bird 

deaths, sneezing, coughing, nasal discharge, watery 

or green diarrhea, lack of energy, poor appetite, 

drop in egg production, swelling around the eyes, 

neck, and head, and purple discoloration of wattles, 

combs, and legs); and 

report sick birds (call your local or State veterinarian, 

or USDA toll-free at 1-866-536-7593).

USDA is ready to act.

USDA works closely with its Federal, State, and tribal 

partners, as well as industry stakeholders, to coordi-

nate emergency response to animal disease outbreaks, 

including AI. 

USDA provides expertise, funding, and support 

personnel to States when LPAI is detected. Close at-

tention is paid to LPAI H5 and H7 strains, because 

of their potential to mutate into HPAI. When HPAI 

is detected, USDA and State personnel are primary 

responders because of the rapid spread and high death 

rate among poultry.

In the event of an HPAI outbreak in the United 

States, USDA would work with States and industry to 

respond quickly and decisively following these five basic 

steps:

Quarantine – restrict movement of poultry and 

poultry-moving equipment into and out of the 

control area;

Eradicate – humanely euthanize;

Monitor region – broad area of testing;

Disinfect – kills virus; and

Test – confirm that the poultry farm is AI virus-free.

USDA also maintains a bank of AI vaccine that 

could be used to protect healthy birds outside a control 

area, if necessary. ■■■■■■■■■■■

Additionally, USDA has increased its monitoring 

for illegally smuggled poultry and poultry products 

through an anti-smuggling program in coordination 

with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security - 

Customs and Border Protection. 

International assistance: USDA is working closely 

with international organizations such as the World 

Organization for Animal Health (OIE), the United 

Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), 

and the World Health Organization to assist HPAIaffected countries and other countries with disease 

prevention, management, and eradication activities. 

By helping these countries prepare for, manage, and 

eradicate HPAI outbreaks, USDA can help to slow the 

spread of the virus. Some efforts include: 

Training sessions for veterinarians and poultry 

disease experts from H5N1-affected and at-risk 

countries to teach testing protocols. 

Professional expertise and funding to help the FAO 

in Rome develop a new Crisis Management Center, 

to respond rapidly and effectively to avian influenza 

outbreaks in poultry worldwide. 

Assistance to H5N1-affected countries, including 

laboratory equipment, reagents, and sample 

shipping containers to bolster AI testing and 

diagnostic programs. 

In collaboration with FAO and OIE, USDA 

has deployed expert scientists, veterinarians, and 

animal health emergency managers to H5N1-

affected countries to test and diagnose AI; advise 

on surveillance and vaccination programs to protect 

poultry; and advise on emergency contingency plans. 

Surveillance: USDA works with Federal and State 

partners and industry to monitor U.S. bird popula-

tions. Surveillance is conducted in four key areas: live 

bird markets, commercial flocks, backyard flocks, and 

migratory bird populations.

Extensive testing occurs in live bird markets and 

commercial flocks. Additionally, birds that show signs 

of illness are tested.

Through a backyard flock biosecurity program, 

USDA encourages backyard and small poultry pro-

ducers to strengthen biosecurity practices in order 

to prevent the introduction of AI into their flocks. 

Biosecurity refers to practical management practices 

that help to prevent diseases. ■■■■

How can people become infected 

with avian influenza?

Although the HPAI H5N1 virus does not usually infect 

people, more than 200 human cases have been reported 

since 2004. Most people who have become sick or died 

from HPAI H5N1 have had extensive, direct contact 

with infected poultry. Broad concerns about public 

health relate to the potential for the virus to mutate, or 

change into a form that could easily spread from person 

to person, a characteristic that could result in a human 

influenza pandemic. There is no evidence that this is 

occurring. Strains of AI that have been detected in U.S. 

poultry, including LPAI and HPAI, have caused no 

known human illnesses.

USDA has experience responding 

to and eradicating HPAI.

HPAI has been detected three times in U.S. poultry: in 

1924, 1983, and 2004. No human illness resulted from 

any of these outbreaks. 

The 1924 HPAI H7 outbreak was contained and 

eradicated in East Coast live bird markets.

The 1983-84 HPAI H5N2 outbreak resulted in hu-

manely euthanizing approximately 17 million chickens, 

turkeys, and guinea fowl in Pennsylvania and Virginia 

to contain and eradicate the disease.

In 2004, USDA confirmed an HPAI H5N2 

outbreak in chickens in Texas. The disease was quickly 

eradicated thanks to close coordination and cooperation 

between USDA and State, local, and industry leaders. 

USDA efforts to protect the 

United States. 

Import restrictions: USDA quarantines and tests live 

birds imported into the United States to ensure that 

they do not have any foreign animal diseases such as the 

HPAI H5N1 virus. 

All imported live birds (except from Canada) must 

spend 30 days at a USDA quarantine facility where 

they are tested for the AI virus before entering the 

country. Returning U.S.-origin pet birds (except from 

Canada) also are tested and are home-quarantined. 

USDA maintains trade restrictions on the importa-

tion of poultry and poultry products originating from 

countries and/or regions where the HPAI H5N1 strain 

has been detected in commercial or traditionally raised 

poultry. USDA regulations require that import permits 

accompany properly sanitized poultry products, such as 

raw feathers.
Properly prepared and cooked poultry 

is safe to eat – you have the power to 

protect yourself. 

Eating properly handled and cooked poultry and eggs 

is safe. Cooking poultry to an internal temperature of 

165  ̊F kills the AI virus as it does other bacteria and 

viruses. Cooking eggs until they are firm throughout 

kills the AI virus. 

AI is not transmissible by eating properly prepared 

poultry. If HPAI were detected in the United States, 

the chance of infected poultry or eggs entering the food 

chain would be extremely low because of the rapid 

onset of symptoms in poultry as well as the safeguards 

in place, which include testing of flocks, and Federal 

inspection programs. 

Cooking poultry, eggs, and other poultry products 

to the proper temperature and preventing cross-contamination between raw and cooked food is the key to 

safety. You should:

Wash hands with warm water and soap for at least 

20 seconds before and after handling raw poultry 

and eggs; 

Prevent cross-contamination by keeping raw poultry 

and eggs away from other foods; 

After cutting raw meat, wash cutting board, knife, 

and countertops with hot, soapy water; 

Sanitize cutting boards by using a solution of 1 

tablespoon chlorine bleach in 1 gallon of water; and 

Use a food thermometer to ensure poultry has 

reached the safe internal temperature of at least 

165 °F to kill foodborne germs that might be 

present, including the AI viruses. 

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More information 

USDA efforts to protect against and respond to 

bird flu: www.usda.gov/birdflu

Report Sick Farm Birds: If your farm birds are sick 

or dying, call USDA’s Veterinary Services toll-free at 

1-866-536-7593, or your State Veterinarian or local 

extension agent. 

Report Dead Wild Birds: Dead wild birds can be reported to State or Federal wildlife agencies. Information 

on how to make contact with wildlife officials in your 

State is available at www.usda.gov/birdflu

Safe Food Preparation: USDA Meat and Poultry 

Hotline - 1-888-MPHotline (1-888-674-6854), 

TTY: 1-800-256-7072 (available in English and 

Spanish). Online answers are provided at 

www.fsis.usda.gov by clicking on “Ask Karen.”

Current Listing of Countries/Areas Affected with 

HPAI H5N1: www.usda.gov/birdflu

U.S. Government efforts to protect human health: 

www.pandemicflu.gov

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in all 

its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, 

disability, and where applicable, sex, marital status, familial status, parental 

status, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, political beliefs, reprisal, 

or because all or part of an individual’s income is derived from any public 

assistance program. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.) Persons 

with disabilities who require alternative means for communication of program 

information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact USDA’s TARGET 

Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TDD).

To file a complaint of discrimination, write to USDA, Director, Office of Civil 

Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20250-9410, or call 

(800) 795-3272 (voice) or (202) 720-6382 (TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity 

provider and employer.

REVISED August 2006

Expanded wild bird testing serves 

as an early warning system.

USDA has been testing wild migratory birds for HPAI 

H5N1 since 1998 in both Alaska and the Atlantic flyway and has worked with Federal, State, and academic 

partners to enhance testing and develop a national 

strategic plan for the early detection of HPAI H5N1.

The wild bird plan targets those bird species in 

North America at the highest risk because of their migratory patterns. Key species of interest include ducks, 

geese, and shorebirds. USDA and its partners plan 

to collect approximately 100,000 samples from wild 

birds as well as 50,000 samples from waterfowl habitats 

across the United States annually.

The wild bird plan recommends a prioritized sampling system, with emphasis first in Alaska, the Pacific 

flyway, and on the Pacific islands, followed by the 

Central, Mississippi, and Atlantic flyways. It also establishes protocols for testing and tracking the data. 

USDA researchers are recognized 

avian influenza experts. 

USDA researchers at the Southeast Poultry Research 

Lab focus on identifying the source of AI viruses, and 

how they change and cause disease. These experts have 

developed and continually improve rapid diagnostic 

screening tests that have been shared with a network of 

over 45 USDA-approved animal health labs throughout 

the United States as well as other countries. They also 

have developed and improved poultry vaccines. USDA 

also partners with universities on AI research, education, and extension projects. 

USDA’s National Veterinary Services Laboratories 

(NVSL) in Ames, Iowa, is the only internationally recognized AI reference laboratory in the U.S. Although a 

network of laboratories across the Nation are approved 

to conduct AI screening tests, all confirmatory AI testing in the U.S. is conducted by NVSL.

USDA is committed to transparency.

Delivering factual, timely information is a priority for 

USDA. In the event that a USDA screening test, which 

provides only presumptive results, indicates a possible 

presence of H5N1 in a bird, the public will be notified. Confirmatory testing would then be conducted 

by USDA, with results expected within 5-10 days, and 

those results also would be shared with the public in a 

timely fashion, regardless of the AI strain identified.