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Maine CDC Maine Emergency Management Agency Maine Department of Agriculture Maine Inland Fisheries & WildlifeMaine EMS
Worldwide, there are many strains of avian influenza (bird flu) viruses that can cause different degrees of illness in birds. Avian influenza viruses can infect chickens, turkeys, pheasants, quail, ducks, geese and guinea fowl as well as a wide variety of other birds. Migratory waterfowl are also known to carry strains of avian influenza viruses. Each year there is a flu season for birds just as there is for humans and, as with people, some forms of the flu are worse than others. When domestic birds are infected, avian influenza outbreaks can be difficult to control and often cause major economic setbacks for poultry farmers in affected areas.
Currently the spread of a highly contagious and deadly avian H5N1 virus across eastern Asia and into Europe represents a significant threat. This virus has passed from infected domestic poultry to humans and other mammals. No birds in Maine, to date, have tested positive for avian influenza, but experts predict that the virus could reach the United States by the end of the year.
Additional Information
Avian influenza fact sheet (UMaine Cooperative Extension)
Maine Department of Agriculture: General Avian Flu Information
U.S. Dept. of Agriculture Avian Influenza FAQs
Poultry Flock Handling (U.S. Department of Agriculture)
Poultry Worker Safety Information (OSHA)
Backyard Flock Handling (UMaine Cooperative Extension)
Bird Hunting Safety (Information from the State of Alaska)
