New cases of avian flu: UNE’s Meghan May offers insight in interview
Meghan May, Ph.D., associate professor of microbiology and infectious disease at the University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine, was interviewed by LifeZette about new cases of avian flu that have been reported in the United States.
May discussed a strain of H5N2 avian flu that was recently discovered in a flock of turkeys in Wisconsin, as well as a highly pathogenic strain that was discovered in a flock of chickens in Tennessee earlier that week. May said backyard bird owners should pay close attention.
"Watching for additional poultry outbreaks would give us an idea of how prevalent it is," she said. "On an individual level, anyone who has backyard chicken flocks should be watching for an increase in sick birds. A vet should be called in immediately, and contact with sick chickens should be avoided."
May also explains the similarities and differences between these U.S. strains and those found in China, as well as the risk to humans.
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