H5N1 Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) has been detected in wild birds throughout all U.S. migratory flyways. Infected birds shed HPAI in their saliva, mucous and feces.
• It affects poultry owners from large farms to small backyard flocks.
• Avian influenza is not a food safety issue. Poultry is safe to eat, and proper handling and cooking of poultry and eggs to an internal temperature of 165˚F is always advised.
• The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) also recently announced this strain of avian influenza is a low risk to the public. No human cases of these avian influenza viruses have been detected in the United States.