Should I be concerned about highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza causing a problem in the United States?
Top A: Be aware, but not overly concerned. Vigilance is the proper response. H5N1 highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) has not been detected in the United States to date, and it is highly unlikely that H5N1 HPAI will infect US commercial poultry production facilities due to strict biosecurity measures at these facilities. Multiple safeguards are in place to monitor avian influenza (AI) in commercial bird flocks, and modern production facilities are designed to minimize the likelihood of spread between flocks should infection occur. Poultry maintained outdoors is at somewhat higher risk. Other potential sources of infection, like live bird markets (retail stores where customers can purchase live birds that are then slaughtered, dressed, and packaged on site) are closely monitored for the presence of AI by federal and state surveillance programs. Waterfowl and wading birds maintained on open ponds are at higher risk of infection if the virus reaches North America. Everyone, including
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